Abstract

A C0 Þnite element formulation of ßat faceted element based on a higher-order displacement model is presented for the analysis of general, thin-to-thick, Þbre reinforced composite laminated plates and shells. This theory incorporates a realistic non-linear variation of displacements through the shell thickness, and eliminates the use of shear correction coe¦cients. The discrete element chosen is a nine-noded quadrilateral with Þve and nine degrees of freedom per node. A comparison of results is also made with the 2-D thin classical and 3-D exact analytical results, and Þnite