Hybrid quasi-Trefftz 3-D finite elements for laminated composite plates

Abstract

Three-dimensional hybrid finite elements are proposed to the analysis of laminated composite plates. Two independent fields are approximated: stresses within the elements and displacements on their boundary. The required stress field in point-wise equilibrium is generated by harmonic and orthogonal hierarchical polynomials, adapted from Papkovitch-Neuber solution of Navier equations for isotropic material. The solving system is symmetric, highly sparse and well conditioned. The elements are suited to p-refinement and present low sensitivity to mesh distortion. Illustrative applications are given to evaluate displacements and stresses. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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