Abstract:
In this work an attempt has been made to develop
theories for finite element static and dynamic stress
analysis tailored for use with composite layered plates and
shells in this way it was hoped to provide accurate values
of the stresses particularly transverse shear stresses
through the thickness, and to perform accurate natural
frequency analysis by including non-linear effects such as
centrifugal stiffening.
Initial derivations were based upon first order facet
shell element analysis and first order curved shell element
analysis. Subsequently, derivations were produced for
higher order element analysis.
A programming package has been developed based upon
the above derivations, and containing a banded solver as
well as a frontal solver, capable of analysing structures
build up from uniform or variable thickness layers and with
a multiple number of layers having constant or variable
dimension.
Results obtained with the aid of the present package
have been compared with results derived from experimental
work as well as with results derived from available
analytical solutions. Investigations have been carried out
for existing compressor blades, made of isotropic material
and layered composite material, respectively. The results
obtained from the package have been compared with available
experimental results produced by RR or carried out at
Cranfield. It has been shown that the above mentioned
derivations produce comparable results and the package has
proved to be reliable and accurate.
