Fifth-order kinematic model with transverse normal strain for the laminated beams under thermo-mechanical load

This research paper presents mechanical and thermomechanical stress analysis of laminated beams supported on end supports using a fifth-order shear and normal deformation theory. This theory accounts for the effect of thickness stretching, i.e., transverse normal strain. A polynomial shape function is used in the present theory to account for the effects of transverse shear and normal deformations; expansion of the thickness coordinate up to the fifth order is used. The derivative of the shape function is used in the transverse displacement to account for the effect of thickness stretching. This theory assumes a parabolic shear strain variation across the thickness. The displacement field satisfies the zero shear stress condition at the top and bottom surfaces. The present theory does not require a shear correction factor. The principle of virtual work is used to derive the governing equations, and Navier’s solution is used to solve the bending problem of simply supported beams. The results generated using the present theory are compared with the existing exact solution wherever available and with the sine model family finite element model developed by Vidal and Polit (2009).