Analysis of antisymmetric cross-ply laminates using high-order shear deformation theories: a meshless approach

Abstract

For many years finite element method (FEM) was the chosen numerical method for the analysis of composite structures. However, in the last 20 years, the scientific community has witnessed the birth and development of several meshless methods, which are more flexible and equally accurate numerical methods. The meshless method used in this work is the natural neighbour radial point interpolation method (NNRPIM). In order to discretize the problem domain, the NNRPIM only requires an unstructured nodal distribution. Then, using the Voronoi mathematical concept, it enforces the nodal connectivity and constructs the background integration mesh. The NNRPIM shape functions are constructed using the radial point interpolation technique. In this work, the displacement field of composite laminated plates is defined by high-order shear deformation theories. In the end, several antisymmetric cross-ply laminates were analysed and the NNRPIM solutions were compared with the literature. The obtained results show the efficiency and accuracy of the NNRPIM formulation.