• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.267-275
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• 2009

This paper presents the p-convergent coupling element on the basis of the ESSE(equivalent single layer shell element) and the PLLE(partial-linear layerwise element) to analyze laminated composite plates. The ESSE is formulated by the degenerated shell theory, on the other hand, the assumption of the PLLE is piecewise linear variation of the in-plane displacement and a constant value of lateral displacement across the thickness. The proposed finite element model is based on p-convergence approach. The integrals of Legendre polynomials and Gauss-Lobatto technique are chosen to interpolate displacement fields and to implement numerical quadrature, respectively. This study has been focused on the verification of p-convergent element. For this purpose, various finite element multiple models associated with the combination of ESSE and PLLE elements are tested to show numerical stability. The simple examples such as a cantilever beam subjected vertical load and a plate with tension are adopted to evaluate the performance of proposed element.