Date of Award
1995
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Abstract
This thesis is concerned with static and dynamic analysis of linear and geometrically nonlinear laminated composite plate and shell structures by using the finite element method.;The emphasis has been on establishing a sound theoretical basis for the formulation of simple and efficient finite elements for large scale linear and geometrically nonlinear analysis of laminated composite plate and shell structures.;A series of simple three-node, six degree-of-freedom (DOF) per node, hybrid strain based flat laminated composite triangular shell finite elements (HLCTS) for linear analysis were developed. These elements were based on the degenerated three dimensional solid concept. The first order shear deformation theory was adopted. The element which had the best performance was further developed for geometrically nonlinear analysis. In the nonlinear finite element analysis, the updated Lagrangian description was employed. The nonlinear HLCTS element accounts for large deformations of large rotations and finite strains. The "exact" geometrical description of a body during large rotations is realized by using exponential mapping. All the linear and nonlinear elements proposed in this investigation were derived explicitly by using symbolic computer algebra packages, MACSYMA and MAPLE. The explicit element stiffness, mass and loading matrices eliminate the use of numerical inversion and integration.;A relatively large collection of linear and geometrically nonlinear plate and shell problems were solved. Static and dynamic responses of such structures under various lamination schemes, boundary and loading conditions were evaluated. In the nonlinear analysis, structures were analyzed under the considerations of large deformations of large rotations and finite strains. "Thinning effects" were also examined. The results obtained in the analysis were compared with those analytical or numerical solutions available in the literature. The numerical results have demonstrated the excellent performance of the HLCTS elements in both linear and nonlinear analysis.;The investigation also showed that the HLCTS elements are more accurate and converge faster when compared with other low-order finite elements. No shear-locking phenomenon was detected. The improved formulation of the elements has eliminated the zero energy modes or spurious modes.
Recommended Citation
Wang, Bin, "Finite Element Analysis Of Geometrically Nonlinear Laminated Composite Shell Structures" (1995). Digitized Theses. 2582.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/2582