A Single-Variable Zigzag Approach to Model Imperfect Interfaces in Layered Beams

The flexibility of the bonds between adjacent layers multi-layered systems and their degradation or presence delaminations strongly affect mechanical response final collapse. formulation accurate efficient models able to capture complex local distributions stresses displacements, which arise due layered structure imperfect bonding, is great importance for design verification systems. In this paper a novel effective “single-variable zigzag” theory formulated analyze beams with homogeneous made same material interfaces, allow sliding layers. primal variable fictitious bending displacement, derived in order define all other kinematic static quantities terms it. “zigzag” technique describes multilayer interfaces as equivalent single-layers, so that problem governed by equations similar those classical theories beams; “single-variable” facilitates implementation into numerical schemes eliminates well-known problems. Explicit solutions are straightforwardly simply supported subjected uniform sinusoidal transverse loads. results some exemplary structural elements confirm accuracy efficiency approach. study preliminary single-variable reformulation zigzag laminates elastic mismatch