A finite element based on Equivalent Single Layer Theory for rotating composite shafts dynamic analysis

This paper deals with the study of the vibratory behaviour of rotating composite shafts and the effects of stacking sequences and shear-normal coupling on natural frequencies and critical speeds. Equivalent Single Layer Theory (ESLT) including shear deformation, rotary inertia and gyroscopic effects is introduced for the dynamic analysis. A finite element based on ESLT is developed to model the rotating composite shaft using Timoshenko beam theory. This finite element is developed to consider the effects of stacking sequences and shear-normal coupling on rotating composite shafts. Obtained results are compared with those available in the literature using different theories. The close agreement in the obtained results shows that the developed finite element based on ESLT can be effectively used for composite rotor dynamic analysis. Moreover, results revealed that shear-normal coupling, fiber orientations and stacking sequences have a great influence on the dynamic characteristics of rotating composite shafts.