Mechanical behaviour of laminated composite beam by the new multi-layered laminated composite structures model with transverse shear stress continuity

This work presents a new multi-layer laminated composite structure model to predict the mechanical behaviour of multi-layered laminated composite structures. As a case study, the mechanical behaviour of laminated composite beam (90degrees/0degrees/0degrees/90degrees) is examined from both a static and dynamic point of view. The results are compared with the model "Sinus" and finite element method studied by Abou Harb. Results show that. this new model is more precise than older ones as compared to the results by the finite element method (Abaqus). To introduce continuity on the interfaces of each layer, the kinematics defined by Ossadzow was used. The equilibrium equations and natural boundary conditions are derived by the principle of virtual power. To validate the new proposed model, different cases in bending, buckling and free vibration have been considered. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.