Three-dimensional variational theory of laminated composite plates and its implementation with Bernstein basis functions (Q1574309)

The author presents a new three-dimensional variational theory aimed at the stress analysis of thick laminated rectangular plates with anisotropic layers. The developed theory allows to use various types of basis functions, and it is material-adaptive enabling to impose displacement continuity conditions between discretization elements and, in addition, stress continuity conditions. A specific realization of the theory applies Bernstein basis functions and generates new types of higher-order hexahedral finite elements with very good characteristics in regard to accuracy and computational efficiency.