A NOVEL FINITE-ELEMENT FOR TREATING INHOMOGENEOUS SOLIDS

This study is concerned with the development-and implementation of a n ovel finite element which is capable of treating the problem of intera cting circular inhomogeneities in heterogeneous solids. The general fo rm of the element, which is constructed from a cell containing a singl e circular inhomogeneity in a surrounding matrix, is derived explicitl y using the complex potentials of Muskhelishvili and the Laurent serie s expansion method. The strength of the proposed eight-noded plane ele ment is demonstrated by its ability to treat arbitrarily and periodica lly located multiple inhomogeneities under general loading conditions using a limited number of elements. Assessment of the accuracy and eff iciency of the devised element is obtained by comparing its performanc e against existing analytical and traditional finite element attempts. The current element enables the determination of the local and effect ive elastic properties of composite materials with relative ease.