Effect of shear lag on buckling of FRP box-beams

Abstract

Nowadays, FRP applications have been increased in the various engineering fields because of their numerous mechanical and physical properties, i.e., high strength, lightweight, corrosion resistance, and tailoring ability. The tailoring ability of FRP gives us flexibility to change the configuration and positions of fiber orientation in the laminate; it helps to fulfill the specific design requirements. However, being a thin-walled structure, design of box-beam is governed by stability. Generally, in the FRP box-beam two type of buckling is possible, i.e., web and flange. Flange buckling is caused by both primary and secondary stresses. Primary stresses are caused by bending, and secondary stresses are caused by shear lag, torsion, and distortion. Herein, the effect of shear lag on buckling stress of box-beam has been studied with the help of finite element software ‘ANSYS 15’ by changing the fiber orientation and geometry of various elements of box-beam.