Finite-Difference Solution of a Both-End-Fixed Orthotropic Composite Beam under Uniformly Distributed Loading Using Displacement Potential Function Formulation

Abstract

The elastic solution of an orthotropic composite beam under the influence of uniformly distributed loading is obtained numerically. Two ends of the beam are rigidly fixed, and the fibers are oriented along and perpendicular to the direction of the length of the beam. An efficient finite-difference computational scheme based on displacement potential formulation is used to analyze the present mixed-boundary-value elastic problem. The effect of several important parameters such as beam aspect ratio and fiber orientation on the elastic field are investigated. Solutions are presented mainly in the form of graphs and deformed shapes. Finally, the reliability as well as superiority of the present computational scheme is discussed by comparing the present solution with the corresponding finite-element solutions.