A refined higher order finite element for asymmetric composite beams

A refined 2-node, 4 DOF/node beam element is derived based on higher order shear deformation theory for axial–flexural-shear coupled deformation in asymmetrically stacked laminated composite beams. The element has an exact shape function matrix, which is derived by satisfying the static part of the governing equations of motion, where a general ply-stacking is considered. This makes the element super-convergent in static analysis. The numerical results are validated by considering uniformly distributed load with various boundary conditions. Subsequently, the efficiency of the element for free vibration analysis is studied. Numerical examples showing the nature of interlaminar stresses for various ply-stacking configurations and boundary conditions are demonstrated. Also, parametric studies are performed to study the effect of coupling and stiffness on the natural frequencies. Based on these studies, number of observations are drawn.