Improved Finite Element Analysis of Thick Laminated Composite Plates by the Predictor Corrector Technique and Approximation of C(1) Continuity with a New Least Squares Element

The use of fiber reinforced composite laminates in engineering applications has been increasing rapidly. Along with this increase has come a rapid development in the analysis techniques to accurately model internal, as well as gross plate behaviors. Many improvements to laminated plate theory have been developed in the push for better analysis techniques. Improvements began with the application of Mindlin-Reissner shear deformation theory followed by higher order theories and discrete layer theories. With the drive for more accurate modeling, the cost has been increased complexity and computational time. Some of the higher order techniques lend themselves well to simplification, but in doing so they complicate the finite element analysis by creating a C sub 1 continuity requirement. The purpose of this work is to provide accurate, yet computationally efficient, improvements to the analysis of composite laminates.