A Hybrid Finite Element Approach to Composite Laminate Elasticity Problems With Singularities

Abstract

A hybrid finite element method is presented for studying composite laminate elasticity problems with singularities. The basic equations of laminate anisotropic elasticity and stress singularities in composite laminates are discussed briefly. Formulation of a singular, hybrid composite-wedge element for this class of problems is given in detail. Two numerical examples are shown to illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the present method of approach. The first example is the well-known laminate free-edge problem, which has a rather weak stress singularity; the second one is the important composite problem, which is shown to have a strong stress singularity. Results are compared with existing analytical elasticity solutions for these problems. Excellent solution accuracy, convergence, and computational efficiency are demonstrated.