On the Convergence of Laminated Composite Plates of Arbitrary Shape through Finite Element Models

The present work considers a computational study on laminated composite plates by using a linear theory for moderately thick structures. The present problem is solved numerically because analytical solutions cannot be found for such plates when lamination schemes are general and when all the stiffness constants are activated at the constitutive level. Strong and weak formulations are used to solve the present problem and several comparisons are given. The strong form is dealt with using the so-called Strong Formulation Finite Element Method (SFEM) and the weak form is solved using commercial Finite Element (FE) packages. Both techniques are based on the domain decomposition technique according to geometric discontinuities. The SFEM solves the strong form inside each element and needs the implementation of kinematic and static inter-element conditions, whereas the FE solves the weak form and the continuity conditions among the elements are given in terms of displacements only. The results are reported in graphical form in terms of the first three natural frequencies. The accuracy and stability of SFEM and FE are thoroughly discussed.