Finite Element Analysis of Thin‐Walled Curved Beams Made of Composites

Abstract

The equilibrium equation of thin‐walled curved beams of open cross‐sections, based on the principle of virtual work, is presented in variational form. Finite element formulation for static and stability analysis of thin‐walled curved beams of open cross section based on this equilibrium equation is discussed. A straight beam element employing suitable transformations is used to model the curve beams. The geometric stiffness matrix of a thin‐walled curved beam of open cross section has been derived for general loading conditions. Numerical studies have been conducted for in‐ and out‐of‐plane buckling analysis of curved beams made of isotropic and composite sections. The results of the present analysis are compared with the values presented in the literature. Laminated composites of different materials such as glass/epoxy, Kevlar/epoxy, boron/epoxy, and graphite/epoxy with single‐layer 0° composites, two‐layer 45°/−45° composites, and three‐layer 0°/45°/0° composites are considered for static and stability analysis.