A C-1 finite element capable of interlaminar stress continuity

This paper extends Lee and Liu's [Comput. Struct. 42 (1992) 69-78] zig-zag approach for matching tractions across material boundaries to a more tradit ional finite element implementation suitable for more general partial-cover age layups. Key quantities from a new C-1-capable element are compared with traditional CO elements and Pagano's analytical solution. Comparisons center around interface stresses, as might be used to predict d ebond of an active or passive damping treatment, and strain energy, the qua ntity often used to estimate damping is structures. It is shown that tracti on continuity is important in predicting interface stresses, but not in pre dicting strain energy distributions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.