On the dynamic response of a delaminated composite beam under the motion of an oscillating mass

The dynamic response of a delaminated composite beam under the motion of an oscillatory mass moving with a constant velocity has been studied. The delaminated composite beam is modeled as four interconnected sub-beams using the delamination limits as their boundaries. The constrained model is used to model the delamination region. The continuity and equilibrium conditions are forced to be satisfied between the adjoining beams. A set of derived governing differential equations along with those obtained by imposing boundary conditions are simultaneously solved in a closed form manner. The results for the response of the delaminated beam were compared with those of the intact beam. Furthermore, the possible separation of the moving oscillator from the beam during the course of the motion is investigated. The effects of the variation of different parameters such as the oscillator axial velocity, depth, and spanwise location of the delamination on the dynamic response of the beam and on the oscillator separation from the beam have been studied. It was shown that the delamination has significant influence on the dynamic response of the beam and on the oscillator separation from the beam.