• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.1193-1214
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• 2016

In this paper, the 3D stress state and inter-laminar stresses in a rotating thin laminated cylinder shell are studied. The thickness of the cylinder is supposed to be thin and it is made of laminated composite material and can have general layer stacking. The governing equations of the cylindrical shell are obtained by employing the Layerwise theory (LWT). The effect of rotation is considered as rotational body force which is induced due to the rotation of the cylinder about its axis. The Layerwise theory (LWT), is used to discrete the partial differential equations of the problem to ordinary ones, in terms of the displacements of the mathematical layers. By applying the Free boundary conditions the solution of the governing equations is completed and the stress state, the inter-laminar stresses, and the edge effect in the rotating cylindrical shells are investigated in the numerical results. To verify the results, LWT solution is compared with the results of the FEM solution and good agreements are achieved. The inter-laminar normal and shear stresses in rotating cylinder are studied and effects of layer stacking and angular velocity is investigated in the numerical results.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.439-447
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• 2020

This paper presents two sets of full three-dimensional thermoelastic finite element analyses of superimposed thermo-mechanically loaded Spar Wingskin Joints made with laminated Graphite Fiber Reinforced Plastic composites. The study emphasizes the influence of residual thermal stresses and material anisotropy on the inter-laminar delamination behavior of the joint structure. The delamination has been pre-embedded at the most likely location, i.e., in resin layer between the top and next ply of the fiber reinforced plastic laminated wingskin and near the spar overlap end. Multi-Point Constraint finite elements have been made use of at the vicinity of the delamination fronts. This helps in simulating the growth of the embedded delamination at both ends. The inter-laminar thermoelastic peel and shear stresses responsible for causing delamination damage due to a combined thermal and a static loading have been evaluated. Strain energy release rate components corresponding to the Mode I (opening), Mode II (sliding) and Mode III (tearing) of delamination are determined using the principle of Virtual Crack Closure Technique. These are seen to be different and non-self-similar at the two fronts of the embedded delamination. Residual stresses developed due to the thermoelastic anisotropy of the laminae are found to strongly influence the delamination onset and propagation characteristics, which have been reflected by the asymmetries in the nature of energy release rate plots and their significant variation along the delamination front.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.377-388
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• 2004

Based on the basic equations of elasticity, free-edge effects on stresses in cross-ply laminated plates are found by using the state space method. The laminates are subjected to uniaxial-uniform extension plate, which is a typical example of general plane strain problem. The study takes into account material constants of all individual material layers and the state equation of a laminate is solved analytically in the through thickness direction. By this approach, a composite plate may be composed of an arbitrary number of orthotropic layers, each of which may have different material properties and thickness. The solution provides a continuous displacement and inter-laminar stress fields across all material interfaces and an approxiamte prediction to the singularity of stresses occurring in the boundary layer region of a free-edge. Numerical solutions are obtained and compared with the results obtained from an alternative numerical method.

• International Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2016

A trigonometric Layerwise higher order shear deformation theory (TLHSDT) is developed and implemented for free vibration and buckling analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates by analytical and finite element formulation. The present model assumes parabolic variation of out-plane stresses through the depth of the plate and also accomplish the zero transverse shear stresses over the surface of the plate. Thus a need of shear correction factor is obviated. The present zigzag model able to meet the transverse shear stress continuity and zigzag form of in-plane displacement continuity at the plate interfaces. Hence, botheration of shear correction coefficient is neglected. In the case of analytical method, the governing differential equation and boundary conditions are obtained from the principle of virtual work. For the finite element formulation, an efficient eight noded $C^0$ continuous isoparametric serendipity element is established and employed to examine the dynamic analysis. Like FSDT, the considered mathematical model possesses similar number of variables and which decides the present models computationally more effective. Several numerical predictions are carried out and results are compared with those of other existing numerical approaches.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.391-401
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• 2020

The present article reports the feasibility of the electrical energy generation from ambient low-frequency vibration using a piezoelectric material mounted on a bimorph cantilever beam actuator. A corresponding higher-order analytical model is developed using MATLAB in conjunction with finite element method under low-frequency with both damped and undamped conditions. An alternate model is also developed to check the material and dimensional viability of both piezoelectric materials (mainly focussed to PVDF and PZT) and the base material. Also, Genetic Algorithm is implemented to find the optimum dimensions which can produce the higher values of voltage at low-frequency frequencies (≤ 100 Hz). The delamination constraints are employed to avoid inter-laminar stresses and to increase the fracture toughness. The delamination has been done using a Teflon sheet sandwiched in between base plates and the piezo material is stuck to the base plate using adhesives. The analytical model is tested for both homogenous and isotropic material characteristics of the base material and extended to investigate the effect of the different geometrical parameters (base plate dimensions, piezo layer dimensions and placement, delamination thickness and placement, excitation frequency) on the model responses of the bimorph cantilever beam. It has been observed that when the base material characteristics are homogenous, the efficiency of the model remains higher when compared to the condition when it is of isotropic material. The necessary convergence behaviour of the current numerical model has been established and checked for the accuracy by comparing with available published results. Finally, using the results obtained from the model, a prototype is fabricated for the experimental validation via a suitable circuit considering Glass fibre and Aluminium as the bimorph material.