Analysis of laminated composite shells using a degenerated 3-D element

A special three-dimensional element based on the total Lagrangian description of the motion of a layered anisotropic composite medium is developed, validated and employed to analyze laminated anisotropic composite shells. The element contains the following features: geometric nonlinearity, dynamic (transient) behavior and arbitrary lamination scheme and lamina properties. Numerical results of nonlinear bending, natural vibration, and transient response are presented to illustrate the capabilities of the element.