Non-linear dynamics of multibodies with composite laminates I : Theoretical formulation

This paper presents a non-linear finite element formulation for dynamic modelling of laminated beams undergoing both large overall rigid body motions and large relative elastic deflections. The laminated beam is assumed to be attached on a moving base of arbitrary rigid body movement. The beam undergoes three-dimensional elastic deformation relative to the base. Large elastic deflections of the beam are assumed so that the geometric non-linearities are included. The beam's transverse shear deformation is also included. The important elastic coupling effects (such as bending-twisting, extension-twisting) that arise in composite beams are adequately modelled. This dynamics model provides a general and fundamental element for the dynamic simulation of composite beams in multibody systems.