A mixed FSDT finite-element formulation for the analysis of composite laminates without shear correction factors

Abstract

A new 4-node finite element for the analysis of laminated plates is developed starting from a partial-mixed FSDT variational formulation, which considers out-of-plane shear stresses as primary variables. It does not require either the introduction of shear correction factors or post-processing procedures to obtain transverse shear stress profiles. Presented numerical examples show that the element exhibits a quadratic convergence rate and it is locking free.