Large displacement analysis of laminated beam-type structures

Abstract

The paper presents a finite element formulation for analysis of 3D framed structures with thin-walled laminated composite cross-sections, using a co-rotational approach. The formulation considers the effects of large displacements on the response of space frames subjected to conservative and static external loads. Classical lamination theory for thin fiber-reinforced laminates has been employed. Stability analysis is performed in load deflection manner using co-rotational formulation. The shear strain of the middle surface is assumed to be zero, and the cross-section is not distorted in its own plane. In order to illustrate the application of the proposed formulation, several numerical examples are presented.