Theory and Computation of Multilayer Composites

Abstract

Abstract. An hierarchical concept for the analysis of thin-walled composite shells is presented within the finite element method for nonlinear deformation of thin-walled composite structures. For non-disturbed subdomains of the structure an effective 4-node shell element with 5 or 6 d.o.f. per node is used for the whole laminate. For the analysis of 3D-stress states a multidirector shell element along the thickness with piecewise polynomials is presented. n physical layers are approximated by N numerical layers, discretized with hierarchical trial-and test functions. The coupling of both elements is performed by special transition elements. An example shows the technique and efficiency of coupling both types of elements.