A \(C^1\) bending element for composite plates based on a high-order shear deformation theory

Abstract

A new \(C^1\) rectangular element is proposed and the finite element formulation based on Reddy’s higher-order shear deformation plate theory is developed. Although the plate theory is quite attractive but it could not be exploited as expected in finite-element analysis. This is due to the difficulties associated with satisfaction of inter-elemental continuity requirement and satisfy zero shear stress boundary conditions of the plate theory. In this paper, the proposed element is developed where Reddy’s plate theory is successfully implemented. It has nine nodes and each node contains 7 degrees of freedom. The performance of the element is tested with different numerical examples, which show its precision and range of applicability.