Theoretical Model for Thin-Walled Composite Beams of Open Cross-Sectional Geometry

Theoretical model for composite beams of open thin-walled geometry is devised. The model is based on a detailed description of the out-of-plane warping and may handle generic open cross-sectional geometries and lay up configurations. In view of the potential of composite beams to produce useful structural couplings, the analysis is focused on the ability to predict the coupling mechanisms, and draw lines of similarities and differences between such beams and similar thin-walled beams of closed cross-sections. The model is capable of handling most of the practical configurations of thin-walled open composite beams in typical engineering applications. To allow an insight into the structural mechanisms and the involved physical phenomena, the model is based on separate analyses for different types of loading. The analysis is accompanied by illustrative analytic examples that clarify the structural response and the associated coupling mechanisms.