Stress analysis of laminated composite beams using refined zigzag theory and peridynamic differential operator

In this study, stress analysis of laminated composite beams is carried out by using Refined Zigzag Theory (RZT) and Peridynamic Differential Operator (PDDO). The PDDO replaces local differentiation with nonlocal integration. This makes the PDDO capable of solving the local differential equations accurately. RZT is suitable for both thin and thick beams eliminating the use of the shear correction factors. Also, RZT ensures a constant number of kinematic variables regardless of the number of layers in the beam. The governing equations of the RZT beam and the boundary conditions were derived by employing the principle of virtual work. The capability of the present approach was assessed by considering various beams for different boundary conditions and aspect ratios. It provides robust and accurate predictions for the displacement and stress components in the analysis of highly heterogeneous laminates