MIXED FINITE-ELEMENT MODELS FOR LAMINATED COMPOSITE PLATES

Mixed finite element models of the classical and shear deformation plate theories are described, and their relative advantages, disadvantages and limitations limitations are discussed. Numerical results showing the accuracy of the mixed finite elements are presented. Two main advantages of mixed models are the relaxation of continuity requirements on the interpolation functions and the accurate determination of the stress resultants. The disadvantages of mixed formulations are the difficulty in establishing convergence, accuracy and stability of finite element approximations and the computational expense.