Abstract

Compared with the conventional finite element method, hierarchical finite element method has the advantages of using fewer elements and obtaining better accuracy in the calculation of natural frequencies, buckling loads, displacements and stresses. These advantages are also shown in the analysis for uniform or thickness-tapered composite beams. In many of the existing works on the dynamic response, the effect on the mechanical behavior of plies in the tapered composite beam caused by the taper angle is ignored if the angle is small. In the present thesis, this effect is always considered and quantified based on the three-dimensional ply stiffness analysis. The free vibration response of tapered composite beam with different taper angles is studied. Also, based on the ply stiffness analysis, the response of the taper configuration and laminate configuration on the stiffness and vibration response of the tapered beam are studied. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)