A model for multilayered beams undergoing end loads

Abstract

A formulation for layered beams undergoing end loads, namely axial, shear and bending actions, is developed and presented in this paper. A layer-wise kinematical model is first derived so that the point-wise balance relationships are fulfilled at the layer level. Successively, by enforcing the interface continuity conditions and taking the traction–free conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the laminate into account, the layer-wise kinematical quantities are written in terms of generalized kinematical variables representative of the beam displacements field. The beam problem is then formulated in terms of these generalized variables leading to a model that shows the positive characteristics of the equivalent single layer solution theories. Validation results are reported to show the effectiveness of the proposed model.