Nonlinear shell formulations for complete three-dimensional constitutive laws including composites and laminates (Q1346070)

In this study, different theories are considered to analyse nonlinear multilayered composite shells structures. The authors begin with a review of the different theories commonly used nowadays. It is shown first that the classical Reissner-Mindlin theory with transverse shear strain, even with a linear displacement field across the thickness, is not sufficient to describe interlaminate shear stress distribution, delamination effects, as well as damage, crack propagation, etc.. Then the authors state that the kind of kinematic assumptions across the thickness was of major importance. To avoid complete three-dimensional analyses which seem to be necessary, the asymptotic expansion against the thickness parameter which was commonly used revealed to fail in some cases of discontinuities. Hence it is necessary to introduce extended theories essentially based on a refined description of the across-the-thickness representation with a constitutive law either with zero condensed normal stress, or a complete nonzero normal stress. It is shown that a \(C^ 1\)-continuous displacement across the thickness (i.e. linearly varying strain) leads to a significant error in the case of pure bending. (In fact, this enhanced assumed strain method was first introduced to avoid locking phenomena.) A better theory seems to introduce a piecewise linear \(C^ \circ\) displacement field across the thickness per layer, which gives a zig-zag distribution. But if discontinuities based on different material properties of each ply ought to be included in the model, a so-called multidirector theory has to be applied. This method consists practically in increasing numerically the number of layers. Here also local interlaminar effects can be modelled. The paper gives a weak formulation of the equilibrium equations and the finite element formulation. Finally, the expected qualities of the proposed formulations are confirmed by several examples. The analyses are performed on beams, plates, cylinders, hyperbolic shells, under very large displacements and rotations, that show comparisons between the enhanced assumed theories, the single director theories, and the multidirector theories, the latter describing a \(C^ \circ\) displacement field across the thickness, where the layerwise constant strain in the thickness direction approximates the linear strain distribution if enough layers are uses.