Mixed Finite-Element Analysis of Thick Doubly Curved Laminated Shells

Abstract

A mixed finite-element scheme based on a discrete layer, high-order deformation theory is proposed, in this paper, for the analysis of thick, doubly curved laminated shells. The three-dimensional (3D) elasticity solutions of cross-ply cylindrical/spherical shells with shear diaphragm supports, subjected to a sinusoidally distributed normal load, are used for assessing the present finite-element scheme. Both the results obtained by full or reduced integration techniques and the convergence of the element are presented. The bending analyses of a variety of thick shells are discussed in the numerical examples. The finite-element solutions are compared with 3D elasticity solutions, and to other finite-element solutions related to global higher-order shell theories. The results indicate a close agreement with 3D elasticity solutions.