Cell- and Node-Based Smoothing MITC3-Finite Elements for Static and Free Vibration Analysis of Laminated Composite and Functionally Graded Plates

Abstract

Cell- and node-based smoothing MITC3-finite elements for static and free vibration analysis of laminated composite and functionally graded plates are proposed in this paper. It is based on a higher-order shear deformation theory which accounts for a higher-order variation of in-plane displacements and traction-free boundary conditions on top and bottom surfaces of transverse shear stresses. Novel CS-MITC3 and NS-MITC3 finite elements are proposed in which an MITC3 three-node triangle element with seven degrees-of-freedom per nodes that only requires the [Formula: see text]-type continuity is developed, and then cell- and node-based smoothing techniques are applied. Numerical results for the laminated composite and functionally graded plates are proposed to validate the accuracy of developed theory and to investigate the effects of material distribution and side-to-thickness ratio on the deflection, stresses and natural frequencies of the plates.