An efficient global-local model for thick composite laminates

An efficient model based on the recently established partial hybrid stress element is proposed for global-local analysis of thick composite laminated plates. For displacement field, the higher order plate theory is used throughout the plate, while only the transverse shear stress components are assumed in local regions. Thus, in the region of interest, the flexural stresses are still obtained from assumed displacement field, while the transverse shear stresses are calculated by the assumed stress version. The variational principle is also presented. The proposed functional contains two parts. One is the ordinary potential energy used in the global region; the other is the partial hybrid stress model, which contains displacement and transverse shear as independent variables. Three types of global-local analysis are performed. These are in-plane analysis, through-thickness analysis, and mixed-type analysis. When compared with elasticity solutions, it is found that the agreement is acceptable, although in the so-called 'transition region' the results are less accurate.