Large deflection of shear deformable composite plates using a simple higher-order theory

Abstract

A four noded rectangular finite element, having 14 degrees of freedom per node, based on a simple higher-order theory is developed to investigate the large deflection behavior of composite plates. Nonlinear strain-displacement relationships due to Von Karman are used for developing the element. The higher-order theory employed herein has only four dependent unknowns and allows parabolic variation of transverse shear strains with zero value at the top and bottom surface of the plate. The first-order and classical lamination theories can be obtained by dropping higher-order terms from the kinematics assumed in the theory. The finite element model developed herein involves the use of Hermite interpolation formulae and is found to yield very accurate results for relatively course meshes. Results are presented for various aspect ratios, side to thickness ratios, boundary conditions, number of layers and stacking sequences.