Study of Composite Materials using Zigzag Theory on Timoshenko Beams

Abstract

This final studies work target is to contribute two new beam theories to MAT-fem [6], an educational developed program by CIMNE [5]. Until now the MAT-fem Beams program only offered the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories for homogeneous materials. With this work, the Timoshenko theory for composite materials and the refined zigzag theory are added. MAT-fem Beams application works by discretizing beams into two noded elements. This work offers a beam theories opportunity of contrasting with up to four kinematic variables. Timoshenko theory for composite materials works with three kinematics variables per node and zigzag theory works with four variables. Finally, the accuracy of zigzag theory must be remarked in comparison to other classic beam theories.

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