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U.S. Department of Energy
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Linear and nonlinear finite-element analysis of laminated composite structures at high temperatures

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:7163997
A simple robust finite element which can effectively model the multilayer composite material is developed. This will include thermal gradient capabilities necessary for a complete thermomechanical analysis. In order to integrate the numerically stiff rate-dependent viscoplastic equations, efficient, stable numerical algorithms are developed. In addition, consistent viscoplastic/plastic tangent matrices are also formulated. The finite element is formulated based upon a generalized mixed variational principle with independently assumed displacements and layer-number independent strains. A unique scheme utilizing nodal temperatures is used to model a linear thermal gradient through the thickness of the composite. The numerical-integration algorithms are formulated in the context of a fully implicit backward Euler scheme. The consistent tangent matrices arise directly from the formulation. The multi-layer composite finite element demonstrates good performance in terms of static displacement and stress predictions, and dynamic response.
Research Organization:
Akron Univ., OH (United States)
OSTI ID:
7163997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English