Effect of layer geometry and stiffness on the fields of normal stresses in multilayer beams under asymmetric bending

A mathematical model is suggested for calculating the bending stiffness and fields of normal stresses (strength) at any point in the cross section of a multilayer beam. It is found that the structure of the scalar field of normal stresses allows one to solve some optimization problems with multivariant parameters. The method is illustrated with an example of two-layer beams. The results of an investigation into the strength and stiffness of two-layer beams, with a geometric and (or) stiffness asymmetry, in asymmetric bending are presented. The kinetics of bending stiffness and strength in relation to variations in the geometric parameters of cross sections and in the ratio of elastic moduli of layers is examined. It is established that the normal stresses in multilayer beams under asymmetric bending considerably depend on the location of the flexural center, neutral plane, and bending stiffnesses relative to the principal axes of cross sections of the beams.