Bending evaluation of quintuple-layer FG beams with sliding interactions

This paper introduces a model of a quintuple-layer composite beam made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) and shear connectors. A finite element model is developed using the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) of Timoshenko, employing a two-node beam element with eleven degrees of freedom per node. The formulation accounts for interlayer sliding interaction. Based on this theory, a computational program is implemented in MATLAB and validated with various benchmark models. The results provide a basis for further work, such as free vibration analysis and dynamic response studies of complex beam structures.