Theoretical and Numerical Solution for the Bending and Frequency Response of Graphene Reinforced Nanocomposite Rectangular Plates

In this work, we study the vibration and bending response of functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) rectangular plates embedded on different substrates and thermal conditions. The governing equations of the problem along with boundary conditions are determined by employing the minimum total potential energy and Hamilton’s principle, within a higher-order shear deformation theoretical setting. The problem is solved both theoretically and numerically by means of a Navier-type exact solution and a generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method, respectively, whose results are successfully validated against the finite element predictions performed in the commercial COMSOL code, and similar outcomes available in the literature. A large parametric study is developed to check for the sensitivity of the response to different foundation properties, graphene platelets (GPL) distribution patterns, volume fractions of the reinforcing phase, as well as the surrounding environment and boundary conditions, with very interesting insights from a scientific and design standpoint.

Three-Point Bending of Seven Layer Beams – Theoretical and Experimental Studies

The subject of the analytical and experimental studies therein is of two metal seven-layer beam - plate bands. The first beam - plate band is composed of a lengthwise trapezoidally corrugated main core and two crosswise trapezoidally corrugated cores of faces. The second beam - plate band is composed of a crosswise trapezoidally corrugated main core and two lengthwise trapezoidally corrugated cores of faces. The hypotheses of deformation of a normal to the middle surface of the beams after bending are formulated. Equations of equilibrium are derived based on the theorem of minimum total potential energy. Three-point bending of the simply supported beams is theoretically and experimentally studied. The deflections of the two beams are determined with two methods, compared and presented.

Lateral-torsional buckling of compressed and highly variable cross section beams

In the critical state of a beam under central compression a flexural-torsional equilibrium shape becomes possible in addition to the fundamental straight equilibrium shape and the Euler bending. Particularly, torsional configuration takes place in all cases where the line of shear centres does not correspond with the line of centres of mass. This condition is obtained here about a z-axis highly variable section beam; with the assumptions that shear centres are aligned and line of centres is bound to not deform. For the purpose, let us evaluate an open thin wall C-cross section with flanges width and web height linearly variables along z-axis in order to have shear centres axis approximately aligned with gravity centres axis. Thus, differential equations that govern the problem are obtained. Because of the section variability, the numerical integration of differential equations that gives the true critical load is complex and lengthy. For this reason, it is given an energetic formulation of the problem by the theorem of minimum total potential energy (Ritz-Rayleigh method). It is expected an experimental validation that proposes the model studied.

Postbuckling Analysis Of A Rectangular Plate Loaded In Compression

The stability analysis of a thin rectangular plate loaded in compression is presented. The nonlinear FEM equations are derived from the minimum total potential energy principle. The peculiarities of the effects of the initial imperfections are investigated using the user program. Special attention is paid to the influence of imperfections on the post-critical buckling mode. The FEM computer program using a 48 DOF element has been used for analysis. Full Newton-Raphson procedure has been applied.

Buckling and post-buckling of size-dependent piezoelectric Timoshenko nanobeams subject to thermo-electro-mechanical loadings

Buckling and post-buckling behaviors of piezoelectric nanobeams are investigated by using the nonlocal Timoshenko beam theory and von Kármán geometric nonlinearity. The piezoelectric nanobeam is subjected to an axial compression force, an applied voltage and a uniform temperature rise. After constructing the energy functionals, the nonlinear governing equations are derived by using the principle of minimum total potential energy and discretized by using the differential quadrature (DQ) method. A direct iterative method is employed to determine the buckling and post-buckling responses of piezoelectric nanobeams with hinged–hinged, clamped–hinged and clamped–clamped end conditions. Numerical examples are presented to study the influences of the nonlocal parameter, temperature rise and external electric voltage on the size-dependent buckling and post-buckling responses of piezoelectric nanobeams.

Consistent Derivations of Spring Rates for Helical Springs

The spring rates of a coiled helical spring under an axial force and an axially directed torque are derived by a consistent application of Castigliano’s second theorem, and it is shown that the coupling between the two loads may not always be neglected. The spring rate of an extensional spring is derived for the first time through the use of the displacement based principle of minimum total potential energy. The present results are also compared with available derivations of and expressions for the stiffness of a coiled spring.

Maximum Stresses and Flexibility Factors of Smooth Pipe Bends With Tangent Pipe Terminations Under In-Plane Bending

A theoretical solution is presented for the in-plane bending, linear elastic behavior of smooth, circular cross-sectional constant thickness pipe bends with connected tangent pipes of similar section. The analytical method employs the theorem of minimum total potential energy with suitable kinematically admissible displacements. Integration and minimization is performed numerically. Results are given for bend flexibilities and peak stresses covering a wide range of practical geometries. These are compared with other theoretical predictions and finite element results as well as with some recent experimental data.