Assessment of layerwise user-elements in Abaqus for static and free vibration analysis of variable stiffness composite laminates. (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moreira, J.A.; Moleiro, F.; Araújo, A.L.; Pagani, A.
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 303(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Abaqus user-elements -- Variable stiffness composites -- Curvilinear fibre paths -- Layerwise theory -- Shear deformation theories; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.116291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, user-elements (UEL) in Abaqus are taken a step forward into the high-order layerwise modelling of variable stiffness composite laminates with curvilinear fibre paths, extending the limited number of available literature on refined multilayered UEL models. Two layerwise UEL models with three discrete layers are here proposed, assigning to each layer the displacements of the first- and third-order shear deformation theories, thus named UEL1 and UEL3, respectively. A complete assessment of the models predictive capabilities is carried out by a comparison with available static and free vibration solutions in the literature – either for constant or variable stiffness laminates – considering various boundary and loading conditions, as well as thin and moderately thick plates. Numerical results demonstrate that the developed models are capable to render fairly accurate and computationally efficient results, with particular emphasis on the higher-order model for predicting the global–local response behaviour of moderately thick plates. Highlights: Abaqus UEL models extended to high-order layerwise theories. Assessment of UEL models for static and free vibration analysis. Analysis of constant and variable stiffness composite laminates. Comparison with 3D exact solutions for constant stiffness composites. Comparison with available numerical solutions for curvilinear fibre laminates.