Finite-element formulation for analysis of laminated composites

This paper presents a multilayered/multidirector and shear-deformable finit e-element formulation of shells for the analysis of composite laminates. Th e displacement field is assumed continuous across the finite-element layers through the composite thickness. The rotation field is, however, layerwise continuous and is assumed discontinuous across these layers. This kinemati c hypothesis results in independent shear deformation of the director assoc iated with each individual layer and thus allows the warping of the composi te cross section. The resulting through-thickness strain field is therefore discontinuous across the different material sets. Numerical results are pr esented to show the performance of the method.