LAYERWISE COMPOSITE PLATE ANALYSIS USING AN ELEMENT TEMPLATE METHODOLOGY

An element template methodology is presented to solve composite plate problems using a serendipity hierarchical finite element implementatio n of Reddy's three-dimensional layerwise theory (1987). This methodolo gy reduces the computational requirements associated with layerwise mo deling, provided the plate structure can be represented in terms of on ly a few unique elements or templates. A diagonally preconditioned con jugate gradient algorithm is used in the template methodology for the solution of the finite element algebraic equations. The developed stra tegy does not require the formulation of a global stiffness matrix, it only requires the computation and recursive use of the element templa tes. Sample problems are investigated to prove the validity of the mod el.