Generalization of Analytic Solutions for Solid and Thin-Walled Composite Beams

The paper presents a study of a set of closed-form solutions for solid and thin-walled composite beams. The prediction capability of these solutions is explored using available experimental data and by means of correlation with theoretical results provided by numerical codes. The study includes the basic lamination modes, covers all loading modes and lays down an important physical insight into the structural behavior and the coupling mechanisms. In addition, the findings clearly expose important similarities between solid and thin-walled beams. The results indicate that the proposed analytic solutions represent correctly the beam-like behavior of composite beams regardless their specific cross-sectional geometry and lamination mode. Generally, it is shown that by providing a clear insight and correct structural characteristics, the analytic solutions under consideration may serve as the approximate modeling for any preliminary study of a new design.