A finite element formulation for composite structures based on a volume fraction mixture theory (Q1321938)

This paper is concerned with developing an advanced finite element formulation for composite structures based on a volume fraction mixture theory. The development is unique in that each node of the finite element mesh is assumed to have double the number of degrees of freedom over that of a single continuum. In particular, the degrees of freedom represent the displacements of the individual constituents, thereby allowing for independent constituent motions. The behavior of the composite is then determined by the governing rules for summing constituent variables of the mixture. The primary advantage of developing such a theory is that detailed information regarding the state of the constituents is retained while at the same time performing structural analysis. Hence, the mixture theory represents a marriage of micromechanics to structural analysis.