Nonlinear transient analyses of composite and sandwich structures via high-fidelity beam models

Abstract. In this study, we employ low and high-fidelity finite beam elements to conduct geometrical nonlinear transient analyses of composite and sandwich structures. The equations of motion for various structural theories are derived in a total Lagrangian scenario using the Carrera Unified Formulation. The unified formalism's three-dimensional nature enables us to include all components of the Green-Lagrange strain tensor. To solve the equations, we utilize the Hilber-Hughes-Taylor (HHT)-α algorithm in conjunction with a Newton-Raphson procedure. We present the dynamic response of a sandwich stubby beam subjected to a step load, calculated using both equivalent-single layer and layer-wise approaches. Additionally, we discuss the effects of geometrical nonlinearity.