Abstract

In this study, finite element method is used to compute deflections of composite beams undergoing geometric nonlinearity. The beams analyzed are laminates with different lay – ups and different end conditions, subjected to uniformly distributed loads. Integrals encountered in the analysis are performed by hand, and therefore considered more accurate than numerical integration. The results obtained showed excellent agreement with those found in literature. Extra results are generated to serve as bench marks for further investigations. As expected, large deflections have resulted in stiffer beams. The stiffness increase is more pronounced in beams which are less restrained.

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