An axisymmetric cubic finite element for laminated anisotropic cylindrical shells

A new cubic finite element model which can be used for the analysis of thin or moderately thick laminated composite circular cylindrical shells is developed. This model accounts for transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia effects. Unlike conventional shell elements, this new element allows separate rotational degrees of freedom for each layer (hence giving more flexibility than models based on classical lamination theory) but does not require translational degrees of freedom beyond those necessary for a single layer. Continuity of displacements between layers is assumed but not continuity of the traction vectors.In problems where different layers may have to be modeled separately, this element offers an efficient alternative to three-dimensional (solid) elements where many elements would have to be used in the model in order to keep the aspect ratio within acceptable range, or to two-dimensional laminated elements in which in-plane degrees of freedom are not condensed out. The new element shows no evidence of shear locking, at least for radius to thickness ratios up to 200. Hence, reduced/selective numerical integration schemes may not be needed.Numerical results predicted by the new model compare well with results from elasticity, classical lamination theory, and constant shear-angle theory solutions of some sample problems.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio