A simple higher-order beam model that is represented by two kinematic variables and three section constants

Abstract

This article presents a new higher-order beam model. The present beam model is governed by differential equations that are similar to those present in some existing higher-order beam models; however, the present beam model makes use of a novel method of calculating the transverse shear stiffness, which facilitates the calculation of a shear-warping stiffness without the need for an assumed warping displacement field, and without introducing any additional kinematic variables. The present beam model also facilitates the recovery of the distributions of longitudinal normal stresses and transverse shear stresses. The authors postulate that the bending and shear terms in first-order shear deformation theory represent the first two terms in an infinite series that would constitute an ideal one-dimensional beam model, and it is suggested that the present beam model constitutes the first four terms in this hypothetical infinite series. The present beam model is solved for several example beams, and the results are compared with those of existing classical and higher-order beam models, as well as computational results from finite element analyses. It is shown that the present beam model is able to accurately represent deformed shapes and stress distributions pertaining to beams that exhibit non-trivial shear compliance as well as non-trivial shear-warping stiffness. In the case of laminated composite beams comprising a large number of laminae, the present beam model offers a level of analytical fidelity that is comparable to that of existing zigzag beam models; however, unlike zigzag beam models, the present beam model is equally well suited for the analyses of beams comprising any number of laminae.