Predictor-corrector procedures for analysis of laminated plates using standard Mindlin finite element models

This paper introduces predictor-corrector methods for finite element analys is of laminated composite plates. The predictor stress, strain and deflecti on are directly computed from Mindlin finite element models without using s hear correction factors. The corrector transverse shear stress is determine d from the homogeneous stress equilibrium condition and the predictor in-pl ane stress by least-square fit. Shear correction factor for each element is estimated as the ratio of the transverse shear energies computed by the pr edictor transverse shear strain and the corrector transverse shear stress. The corrector deflection is calculated by incorporating the shear correctio n factor. First-, second- and third-order Mindlin nine-node plate elements are employed for testing the proposed procedure. Its accuracy is demonstrat ed by a large number of examples. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.