Finite Element Analysis of Damaged Multilayered Composite Beams with Transverse Deformability

摘要

A third-order Hermitian zig-zag plate theory is presented as development of the classicalrncubic zig-zag one. In addition to the capabilities of the previous model ((i)rntransverse shear u0003exibility, (ii) through-the-thickness continuity of the transverse shearrnstresses, (iii) traction-free condition on the two external surfaces of the laminate andrn(iv) possibility to study damaged interfaces), the Hermitian model offers interestingrnimprovements ((i) through-the-thickness linear transverse displacement, (ii) transversernnormal deformability, (iii) traction equilibrium condition on the external surfaces andrn(iv) use of the displacements and transverse shear stresses of the external surfaces asrndegrees of freedom). The Hermitian zig-zag theory, together with the application ofrnthe sublaminates approach, can also be used to obtain more detailed local throughthe-rnthickness distributions of transverse normal and shear quantities. At u0002rst a beamrnu0002nite element based on the Hermitian model has been formulated. Then a discretizingrnand assembling procedure has been used that enables to divide the laminate thicknessrnin a number of elements-sublaminates. A numerical assessment of the methodrnpotentialities is presented.