Abstract

Composite materials are widely being used in aircraft, automotive and robotic industries where the components under different loading conditions are subject to motion. There is a need for the accurate prediction of not only their static response but also their dynamic characteristics so that they can be designed against the failure due to various types of possible static and dynamic loads. In the present thesis, static and vibration analyses of laminated plates are conducted using conventional and hierarchical finite element formulations based on First-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT). Conventional finite element formulation requires a large number of elements to obtain acceptable results. Besides, the necessity to satisfy internal C 0 or C 1 continuity across the elements' interfaces creates complexity even in simple structures. In order to overcome these limitations, the formulation based on Hierarchical Finite Element Method (HFEM) is developed in the present thesis for static and vibration analyses of laminated composite plates based on first-order shear deformation theory