Finite element analysis of free vibration and wave propagation in asymmetric composite beams with structural discontinuities

A new refined locking free first-order shear deformable finite element is presented, and its utility in solving free vibration and wave propagation problems in laminated composite beam structures with symmetric as well as asymmetric ply stacking is demonstrated. The paper also illustrates the application of the element to handle different types of structural discontinuities such as ply-drops, multiply connected beams with rigid joints, lap joints and the beams with delaminations. The developed finite element has a static stiffness matrix that is obtained by exactly solving the axial–flexural–shear coupled governing homogeneous differential equations. Results from the analysis show that the formulated element predicts response that compares very well with the available results reported in the literature. A novel way of modeling structural discontinuities such as delamination is given which significantly reduces the modeling effort to determine static, dynamic and wave propagation responses quickly and accurately.