NONLINEAR LARGE-DISPLACEMENT AND MODERATE ROTATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPOSITE BEAMS INCORPORATING TRANSVERSE-SHEAR STRAIN

This research was directed toward the investigation of nonlinear large displacements and moderate rotations of composite beam structures considering a finite element potential energy approach incorporating through-the-thickness shear strain as an analytical function. This approach was compared to large rotation theories. Test cases were run to evaluate numerical algorithms. Riks method and displacement imposed techniques were employed. The limitations and advantages of both methods were considered. Loading arrangements included concentrated forces as well as moments.