Susceptibility versus flexural stiffness in the stability of hybrid laminate columns with a rectangular cross section for a 1D model

Abstract

Hybrid columns of FGM/FML type with inhomogeneous transverse structure perpendicular to their length are discussed. After that, laminated columns with different layups of laminate plies are discussed, with focus put on the effect exerted by many coupling of the stiffness submatrix on the lowest eigenvalue load. All columns were simply supported The study uses three methods for determining the lowest eigenvalues. The first two are analytical beam methods (i.e. 1D modelling approaches) based on the use of the Euler-Bernoulli theory. The proposed 1D methods are a generalisation of the well-known approach of determining the lowest eigenloads of isotropic columns. The first approach is to solve the eigenproblem directly from the differential equation of the deflection line. The second approach assumes that the curvature of the beam depends on the susceptibility of the beam. This is a fundamental assumption in the bending theory of beams and thin plates. The third method is the FEM (3D shell approach) which is used for the verification of the previous calculations. A comparison of the obtained results showed that the proposed 1D (one-dimensional) approach based on the full susceptibility matrix, which is the inverse stiffness matrix was as accurate as the 3D (three-dimensional) FEM shell model. The relative difference does not exceed 3%. Second 1D approach based on the stiffness matrix yields many times unacceptable differences relative to the reference results obtained by the FEM method. This comparison clearly demonstrates that an approach based on the assumption that curvature is directly proportional to susceptibility in flexural composite structures produces accurate results for all types of coupling.The existing literature extensively explores the impacts of stiffness matrix elements on both the linear and non-linear stability of laminate columns. However, there is a notable absence of studies focusing on the influence of susceptibility. This crucial aspect has been overlooked in prior studies. The present paper endeavors to fill this gap by shedding light on the influence of susceptibility, thereby emphasizing its significance in the analysis of laminate column stability.