Isogeometric stiffness matrix formulations for buckling analysis of multi-layered shells based on lamination parameters for solid-shell elements

Abstract

Multi-layered composite shells are extensively used in many industrial fields since they have superior performance in applications. As load-carrying components, buckling failure is one of the most common failure modes of multi-layered shells. Hence, the layup design of multi-layered shells based on optimal buckling factors is widely concerned, where lamination parameters are commonly used in the representation of stiffness. However, the common formulations of laminate stiffness are based on the Classical Laminate Plate Theory (CLT) or the First-order Shear Deformation Plate Theory (FSDT). This paper aims at developing stiffness formulations based on 3D continuum solid theory. The accuracy and efficiency of the stiffness formulations derived in this study are analysed and compared to those obtained by layer-by-layer integration and summation of stiffness calculations.