Mixed-dimensional modeling by means of solid and higher-order multi-layered plate finite elements

Abstract

Solid and higher-order plate finite elements are coupled for the analysis of composite structures by means of the Arlequin method. Plate and solid elements are derived by a unified formulation and they do not depend on the number of nodes. Higher-order and zig-zag plate elements are easily formulated regardless the approximation order along the through-the-thickness direction. Composite and sandwich plates are investigated. Multi-model solutions are assessed towards equivalent mono-model ones and commercial finite element software results. The numerical investigation shows that higher-order plate finite elements and solid ones are successfully coupled.