Modelling and Analysis of Beams

Abstract

In Chap. 1 the classification of composite materials, the significance, advantages and limitations of composite materials and structures and the material characteristics of the constituents of composite materials were considered. Chapter 2 gave a short introduction to the governing equations of the linear theory of anisotropic material behavior. Chapter 3 defined effective material moduli of composites including elementary mixture rules and improved formulas. Chapter 4 developed in detail the modelling of the mechanical behavior of laminates and sandwiches in the frame of classical theories including thermal and hygroscopic effects. The constitutive equations, describing the relationships between stress resultants and in-plane strains and mid-surface curvatures were developed for unidirectional laminae, laminates and sandwiches with the assumptions of the classical laminate theory. Further the calculation of in-plane and through-the-thickness stresses was considered. Chapter 5 gave an introduction to classical and refined laminate theories. In Chap. 6 selected failure mechanisms and criteria were briefly discussed. These parts of the book give the basic knowledge, how the design engineer can tailor composite materials to obtain the desired properties by the appropriate choice of the fibre and matrix constituents, a laminate or a sandwich material, the stacking sequence of layers, etc. This basic knowledge can be utilized to develop the modelling and analysis of structural elements and structures composed of composite materials.