A2-Node beam element based on coupled displacement field for buckling analysis of curved composite beams

Abstract

The present paper aims to explore an alternatice interpolation strategy for the assumed displacement fields in the finite element buckling analysis of straigth and curved composite beams. The elemental static equilibrium equations are employed to derive the alternate interpolation polynomials for the displacement fields. These polynomials are coupled by means of coefficients involving the generalized co-ordinates and geometrical and material properties of the element. The proposed interpolation scheme lead to an element, which is free from spurious constraints in the Euler's limit of slender beam behaviour, that is in-extensible bending, and hence exhibits no locking. The 2-node beam element having six engineering degrees of freedom per node is developed using this coupled displacement field. The accuracy and convergence characteristics of the element are shown to be independent of material lay-up and slenderness ratio. To establish the consistent performance of the element, several test problems over a wide range of slenderness ratio with straigth-to-deep arch configurations of isotropic/composite materials are considered.