On the Flexural Analysis of Sandwich and Composite Arches through an Isoparametric Higher-Order Model

A higher-order arch model with seven degrees of freedom per node is proposed to study the deep, shallow, thick, and thin composite and sandwich arches under static loads. The strain field is modeled through cubic axial, cubic transverse shear, and linear transverse normal strain components. As the cross-sectional warping is accurately modeled by this theory, it does not require any shear correction factor. The stress-strain relationship is derived from an orthotropic lamina in a three-dimensional state of stress. The proposed formulation is validated through models with various curvatures, aspect ratios, boundary conditions, materials, and loading conditions.