On the Use of a Plane-Strain Model to Solve Generalized Plane-Strain Problems

Abstract

Many composite problems are generalized plane strain in nature. They are often solved using three-dimensional finite element analyses. We propose a technique to solve these problems with a plane-strain model, which is achieved by introducing some artificial out-of-plane thermal strains in a two-dimensional finite element analysis. These artificial thermal strains are chosen such that an identical stress field is obtained, while the actual strains and displacements can also be determined.