NUMERICAL MODEL FOR LOCAL KNEADING OF GLASS FIBER-REINFORCED BEAM

This paper presents an analysis of the deformations in hollow cross-sectional beams made of multilayer glass fiber-reinforced polymer at force application positions. A non-linear numerical analysis is conducted on a beam with a rectangular cross-section and familiar dimensions and material characteristics. Three beams with different spans that are all loaded with two concentrated forces are analyzed, where the distance of the forces from the supports is varied. The kneading deformations at the vicinity, where the two concentrated forces are applied, are monitored with regard to force increase. The results are shown in dimensionless diagrams, wherein the ratio of the actual and initial forces is related to the ratio of deformations at the force application points and mid-span.