Analysis for buckling and vibrations of composite stiffened shells and plates

This paper deals with development of triangular finite element for buckling and vibration analysis of laminated composite stiffened shells. For the la minated shell, an equivalent layer shell theory is employed. The first-orde r shear deformation theory including extension of the normal line is used. In order to take into account a non-homogeneous distribution of the transve rse sheer stresses a correction of transverse shear stiffness is employed. Based on the equivalent layer theory with six degrees of freedom (three dis placements and three rotations), a finite element that ensures CO continuit y of the displacement and rotation fields across interelement boundaries ha s been developed. Numerical examples are presented to show the accuracy and convergence characteristics of the element. Results of vibration and buckl ing analysis of stiffened plates and shells are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.