Vibration Analysis of Variable-Thickness Composite Beams Using Hierarchical Finite Elements

摘要

The conventional finite element formulation has limitations in performing the dynamic analysis of variable-thickness composite beams. The discretization necessary for obtaining solutions with acceptable accuracy in the determination of dynamic response parameters leads to discontinuities in stress and strain distributions. The hierarchical finite element formulation provides us with the advantages of using fewer elements and obtaining better accuracy in the calculation of natural frequencies, displacements and stresses. The hierarchical finite element formulation for variable- thickness composite beams is developed in the present work. The efficiency and accuracy of the developed formulation are established in comparison with closed-form solutions for uniform composite beams. The dynamic response of variable-thickness composite beams is calculated based on the developed formulation.