DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2021.89
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2419
Date of Award
6-2021
Degree Name
MS in Mechanical Engineering
Department/Program
Mechanical Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Sthanu Mahadev
Advisor Department
Mechanical Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
Accurate mechanical analysis of composite structures is necessary for the prediction of laminate behavior. Cylindrical composite tubes are a mainstay in many structural applications. The fundamental design of circular composite cross-sections necessitates the development of a comprehensive composite lamination theory. A new analytical method is developed to characterize the behavior of thin-walled composite cylindrical tubes using a modified plate theory. A generated numerical solver can predict properties such as axial stiffness, bending stiffness, layer stresses, and layer strains in composite tubes subjected to combined mechanical loading and thermal effects. The model accounts for the curvature by transforming and translating the material in-plane lamina properties over a global reference coordinate system. A MATLAB-based solver is used to determine the lamina stiffness and stress outcomes with adjustable parameters, including elastic material properties, thermal coefficients, tubing radius, the orientation of fibers, and the ply stacking sequence. The results are then validated using a FE model developed in ABAQUS using a simple quadrature S4R element type. Parametric case studies confirm the validity of the analytical model by accounting for different ply orientations, stacking sequence, and thermal, mechanical loading.