Global-local analysis of laminated plates by node-dependent kinematic finite elements with variable ESL/LW capabilities

Abstract

This work presents a class of plate finite elements (FEs) formulated with node-dependent kinematics, which can be used to construct global-local models with high numerical efficiency. Taking advantage of Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF), plate theory kinematics can be individually defined on each FE node, realizing a variation of refinement levels within the in-plane domain of one element. When used in the bridging zone between a global model and a locally refined one, an efficient global-local model can be constructed. Elements with variable ESL/LW kinematics from node to node are developed and applied in the global-local analysis of laminated structures. This work includes numerical examples in which LW models with refined kinematics are employed in local regions while ESL models are adopted in the less critical area, and modeling domains are connected by transition zone composed of elements with node-dependent kinematics. The obtained results are compared with solutions from literature and 3D FE modeling. For laminated plates with local effects to be considered, the proposed plate models can reduce the computational costs significantly while guaranteeing numerical accuracy without using special global-local coupling methods.

Advanced modeling of embedded piezo-electric transducers for the health-monitoring of layered structures

“…The transition strategies between models with different dimensions are shown in Figure 4. Using the NDK approach, it is possible to impose compatible kinematic models at the interface between elements with different dimensions [37].…”

“…Recently, the formulation has been extended to multidimensional models [34] and, thanks to the node-dependent kinematic, NDK, formulation [35] the order of expansion of the structural model can be considered as a property of the node [36]. These capabilities have originated a powerful framework for global-local analysis [37] since the numerical model can be refined only in those areas of the structure where complex phenomena are expected. An application of the NDK formulation to piezo-electric beams can be found here [36].…”

Finite beam elements based on Legendre polynomial expansions and node-dependent kinematics for the global-local analysis of composite structures

“…This approach can help to reduce the overall computational costs while guaranteeing the computational accuracy in the local zone with high stress gradients. This concept was firstly suggested by Carrera et al [20] for 1D models, and then further developed for the analysis of laminated plates by Zappino et al [21]. Comparatively, global-local models with node-dependent kinematics can avoid the using of ad hoc techniques, and keep the compactness of the FEM formulations.…”

Finite element models with node-dependent kinematics for the analysis of composite beam structures

“…Such a methodology permits the possibility of connecting to domains with different kinematics by commonly used nodal shape functions without using any specially designed coupling methods, which reduces the complexity of the numerical methods significantly. Such an approach was firstly presented by Carrera and Zappino [48], then extended to the global-local analysis of laminated composite plates by Zappino et al [49] as well as [50]. As a simplified case, through-the-thickness variable kinematics was discussed by Dehkordi et al [51] for sandwich plates, and by Carrera et al [52] for laminated shells.…”