The importance of dynamic behaviour in the design of laminated composite beams

Abstract

The focus of this investigation is on improving the performance of composite structures by enhancing their dynamic characteristics. Using linearly-elastic small-deflection theory, an analytical method is developed to perform the response analysis of bending-torsion coupled beams made of composite materials when subjected to deterministic or random loads. The procedure incorporates the dynamic stiffness matrix of a composite Timoshenko beam and then uses generalised coordinates by utilising the normal modes, so that the overall response of the beam is computed by the superposition of all individual responses in each mode. This methodology sets a trend for dynamic response analysis of laminated composite structures with particular reference to thin-walled composite beams. This is an essential step towards computer-integrated design and fabrication of such structural components with due attention to optimisation criteria.