Post-buckling and Large Amplitude Free Vibration Analysis of Composite Beams: Simple Intuitive Formulation

Post-buckling and large amplitude free vibration analysis of composite beams with axially immovable ends is investigated in the present study using a simple intuitive formulation. Geometric nonlinearity of Von-Karman type is considered in the analysis which accounts for mid-plane stretching action of the beam. Intuitive formulation uses only two parameters: the critical bifurcation point and the axial stretching force developed due to membrane stretching action of the beam. Hinged–hinged, clamped–clamped and clamped–hinged boundary conditions are considered. Numerical accuracy of the proposed analytical closed-form solutions obtained from the intuitive formulation are compared to available finite element solutions for symmetric and asymmetric layup schemes of laminated composite beam which indicates the confidence gained on the present formulation. © 2015, The Institution of Engineers (India).