An Improved Four-Node Element for Analysis of Composite Plate/Shell Structures Based on Twice Interpolation Strategy

Abstract

This paper deals with numerical linear analyses of laminated composite plate/shell structures. The method is based on a four-node quadrilateral element, namely, SQ4T, within the framework of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). This element is established by incorporating the twice interpolation strategy (TIS) into a traditional four-node finite element to build the membrane, bending and shear stiffness matrices. Many desirable characteristics of this efficient numerical method are shown as continuous nodal gradients, higher-order polynomial basis, no increase in number of the degree of freedom of the system. The performance of the proposed element is validated and demonstrated through several numerical benchmark problems. Convergence studies and comparison with other existing solutions in the literature suggest that the present element is efficient, accurate and free of lockings.