A New Finite Element Formulation of the Generalized Laminated Plate Theory

by Ever J. Barbero, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Mechanics Computing in 1990's and Beyond

Abstract:

The Generalized Laminate Plate Theory (GLPT) predicts stress distributions in laminated composite plates with accuracy comparable to a full three-dimensional analysis. The original implementation of GLPT was not optimized for ease an efficiency of modelling. In this paper, a new formulation of GLPT is presented for shells (GLST) that can significantly reduce the turn-around time of modeling. The new GLST expedites the modeling process by presenting the designer with an intuitive physical interpretation for the different components of the model. The GLST element is compatible with continuum elements and it can represent arbitrarily curved shells. Each GLST element has a small number of degrees of freedom which facilitates its incorporation in commercial codes like ABAQUS.

Subject Headings: Laminated materials | Plates | Finite element method | Composite structures | Composite materials | Three-dimensional analysis | Stress distribution

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