Nonlinear Finite Element Bending Analysis of Composite Shell Panels

Abstract

This paper deals with the geometric nonlinear bending response of laminated composite shell panels subjected to transverse loading. The eight-noded degenerated shell element with five degrees of freedom per node is adopted in the present analysis to model the composite shell panels. The Green-Lagrange strain displacement relationship is adopted to formulate the matrices. The total Lagrangian approach is taken in the formulation. The arc-length method of solution is adopted in tracing the equilibrium path. The results by this method are compared with the available results and the conclusions are made.