On the linear three-dimensional behaviour of composite beams

This paper describes a method of evaluating the linear stiffness matrix of a three-dimensional beam which accounts for all the possible couplings involved in the use of composite laminations appropriate to satisfy design requirements. The starting point of the procedure is represented by a complete evaluation of the beam cross section properties by use of a two-dimensional finite element analysis. A mass matrix of the beam is also evaluated as well as the external forces, to account for overall thermal deflections.

Some examples are presented and the results are compared either with their theoretical counterparts or with numerical results obtained by means of a full three-dimensional finite element analysis.