A higher order finite element for laminated beams

This article presents the derivation of a new finite element model for laminated composite beams. The model includes sufficient degrees of freedom to allow the cross-sections of each lamina to deform into a shape which includes up through cubic terms in the thickness coordinate. The element does not require additional axial or transverse degrees of freedom beyond those necessary for a single lamina. The shape functions assure compatability of deformation between laminae. The element consequently admits shear deformation up through quadratic terms for each lamina but not interfacial slip or delamination. Numerical results are compared with other theoretical and experimental investigations.