A simple finite element formulation of a higher-order theory for unsymmetrically laminated composite plates

Abstract

A higher-order theory which satisfies zero transverse shear stress conditions on the bounding planes of a generally laminated fibre-reinforced composite plate subjected to transverse loads is developed. The displacement model accounts for non-linear distribution of inplane displacement components through the plate thickness and the theory requires no shear correction coefficients. A C⁰ continuous displacement finite element formulation is presented and the coupled membrane-flexure behaviour of laminated plates is investigated. The nodal unknowns are the three displacements, two rotations and two higher-order functions as the generalized degrees of freedom. The simple isoparametric formulation developed here is capable of evaluating transverse shears and transverse normal stress accurately by using the equilibrium equations. The accuracy of the nine-noded Lagrangian quadrilateral element is then established by comparing the present results with the closed-form, three-dimensional elasticity and other finite element available solutions.