Dynamics of delaminated beams

In this paper, we present a new model for composite beams with through-widt h delaminations. Shear effect and rotary inertia terms, as well as bending- extension coupling, are taken into account in the governing equations of vi bration. Nonlinear interaction, due piecewise linear spring models between the delaminated sublaminates, is also included. Based on this model, eigens olutions for vibrations of intact and delaminated beams are found analytica lly. Dynamic behavior predicted by this model is then compared with previou sly reported experimental results. Better agreements with the experimental results are found. Discrepancies among previously proposed models are expla ined without difficulty. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .