Vibration Analysis of Composite Beam

Abstract

Beams are the basic structural components. When they are made laminated composites their strength to weight ratio increases. They can be used for different application just by changing the stacking sequence in the laminate with the same weight and dimensions. So this requires a complete analysis of laminated composite beams. They are used in a variety of engineering applications such as airplane wings, helicopter blades, Sports equipment’s, medical instruments and turbine blades. An important element in the dynamic analysis of composite beams is the computation of their natural frequencies and mode shapes. It is important because composite beam structures often operate in complex environmental conditions and are frequently exposed to a variety of dynamic excitations. In this research work first order shear deformation theory is used for vibration analysis of composite beams. A dynamic analysis is carried out which involves finding of natural frequencies and mode shapes for different L/H ratios and different stacking sequences. Finally the non-dimensional natural frequencies of the beam are calculated by using MATLAB and ANSYS model of corresponding composite beam.