A Tool for Modal Analysis of Laminated Bending Plates

A new finite element for modelling laminated bending plates was defined based on the effective triangular finite element of the discrete Kirchhoff's theory. The plates can be made of layers arranged in any order and consisting of different but orthotropic materials. The suggested finite element has 6 degrees of freedom in every node, i e 3 linear displacements and 3 rotations about the axis of coordinates. A mathematical model of the element describes stress and strain effects both in the plane of the element or perpendicular to it, except for shear. The suggested element can be used for calculating laminated plates or beams, not subjected to heavy shear stresses. Some numerical case studies are provided, while the results obtained are compared with the well‐known analytical and numerical solutions.