On efficient finite element modeling of composite beams and plates using higher-order theories and an accurate composite beam element

In the analysis of composite beams and plates, a higher-order shear deformation theory can lead to finite elements having the same number of nodal variables but giving solutions with different accuracy. By studying the interpolation order of the element bending strain, this paper discusses the efficient finite element modeling of composite beam's and plates based on higher-order shear deformation theories, i.e. how to choose the proper strain expressions to formulate accurate elements under the same number of nodal degrees of freedom. As an example, a simple and accurate third-order composite beam element is presented, which possesses a linear bending strain as opposed to the constant bending strain in existing higher-order composite beam elements. The numerical examples show that the present composite beam element is more accurate than the higher-order beam elements which are based on the same higher-order theory and having the same number of nodal variables but using a different bending strain expression. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.