Partial Finite Element Discretization in Elastostatics - A

New Concept
Tarun Kant

Department of Civil Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Powai, Mumbai 400 076

CANCAM07, Toronto, CANADA, 3-7

Introduction
3D domain subjected to the transverse loading

Inplane Displacements : u, v, w
Inplane Stresses
: x , y , xy
z

Out-of-plane Stresses /

p ( x, y )

u, zx

w, z

xz
xy

: zx , zy , z

Transverse Stresses

v, zy yz
yx

x
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Introduction
It is established that inplane stresses and displacements can be
evaluated reliably and reasonably accurately by the following
analytical models (in ascending order of accuracy)

2D CLT
2D RM-FOST
2D HOSTs

Accuracy in prediction of inplane

stresses and displacements

2D HOSNTs
2D Layer-wise Theories
3D Theories

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Introduction
Kirchhoff (2D CLT)
Plate is thin
Transverse shear deformation is
neglected xz yz 0
Tangential displacement vary
linearly through the thickness of
plate
u uo z x
v vo z y

Before Deformation

The thickness of laminate does not

change during deformation z 0
Transverse normal stress is very
small compared to other stresses
(neglected) z ; 0
State of stress is assumed as 2D
plane stress condition

After Deformation

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Introduction
Reissner-Mindlin (2D RM-FOST)
Plate is moderately thick
Transverse shear deformation is
considered
Tangential displacement vary linearly
through the thickness of plate

u uo z x

Before Deformation

v vo z y

Transverse shear angle is constant

through the thickness of plate

After Deformation
CANCAM07, Toronto, CANADA, 3-7

Introduction
Reissner-Mindlin (2D RM-FOST)
Shear correction coefficient is
necessarily used to correct the strain
energy due to shear deformation
The thickness of laminate does not
change during deformation

z 0

Before Deformation

Transverse normal stress is very small

compared to other stresses (neglected)

z ; 0

After Deformation
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Introduction
2D HOSTs
Displacement field in a form of
polynomial in thickness (z) direction
of a degree greater than one

u uo z x z 2uo* z 3 x* ..........
v vo z y z 2 vo* z 3 y* ..........

Before Deformation

w wo z z z 2 wo* ..........
Transverse shear deformation with
distortion of normal is considered
No shear correction coefficient is
needed
Generalized Hooks law is considered

After Deformation
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Introduction
Interlaminar Transverse Stresses

zx
y

zy

(i 1)th Layer

i 1

i 1

i 1

zy
zx

i th Layer

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Introduction
DISPLACEMENT-BASED APPROACHES

Evaluation of Interlaminar Transverse Stresses

Use of Constitutive Relations
Interface

At an interface
Displacements

:- Continuous

All strains components :- Continuous

All stress components :- discontinuous ( through material
constitutive relations)
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Introduction
Evaluation of Interlaminar Transverse Stresses
while the actual situation is like
CONTINUOUS

DISCONTINUOUS

Inplane Displacements
(u, v, w)

Inplane Strains
( x , y , xy )

Transverse Strains

Transverse Stresses
( zx , zy , z )

Inplane Stresses
( x , y , xy )

( zx , zy , z )

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10

Introduction
Evaluation of Interlaminar Transverse Stresses
Therefore, this path (displacement
strains
stresses through constitutive
relations) for evaluation of these stresses is not suitable for layered
systems. Completely wrong predictions are made concerning transverse
strains ( zx , zy , z ) and transverse stresses ( zx , zy , z ) .
The evaluation of transverse stresses ( zx , zy , z ) from the stress-strain
constitutive relations lead to discontinuity at the interface of two adjacent
layers (laminae) of a laminate and thus violates the Newtons third law- to
every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

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11

Introduction
Evaluation of Interlaminar Transverse Stresses
In order to avoid the above discrepancy, the 3D equilibrium equations of elasticity are
integrated through the thickness after knowing inplane stresses

yx
x
zx

0
x
y
z
xy
y
zy

0
x
y
z
yz
xz
z

0
x
y
z

3D Equations of
Equilibrium

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12

Introduction
Evaluation of Interlaminar Transverse Stresses
yx
x
zx

zy
y
xy

yz
xz
z

yz
z
xz

z
z
z
x
y
2 y
2 xy
2 x
2 z

2
2
2
z
x
y
xy

DIRECT INTEGRATION METHOD

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13

Introduction
Evaluation of Interlaminar Transverse Stresses

zx

zy

L
z h( L1)

L
z h( L1)

hi 1

i 1

hi

hi 1

i 1

hi

x xy

dz C1
y
x
y xy

dz C2
x
y

values obtained may not satisfy both boundary conditions at z h 2

as only one constant of integration is present

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14

Introduction
and from last equation of equilibrium

L
z h( L1)

hi 1

i 1

hi

2 x 2 y
2 xy

2
dz dz zC3 C4

z x 2

Two constants of integration are presents. The above equation is

solved as a two-point boundary value problem (BVP) instead of initial
value problem (IVP).

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15

Introduction
Problems/Difficulties
There are serious limitations even in the approach just
described. The estimates are not only inaccurate but the
method is unreliable and the methodology lacks robustness.

The mathematical model for the integration of the transverse

shear stresses is an improperly a posed BVP.

Error accumulation due to the numerical evaluation of the

higher derivatives of the displacements.

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16

Introduction
Motivation
Motivation for, what we describe now, comes from a desire to
have an:

effective,
efficient and
accurate technique for evaluation /estimation of transverse
interlaminar stresses in general laminated composites starting
from the governing 3D partial differential equation (PDE) system
of laminated composites.

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17

3D Plate
3D rectangular domain under transverse loading

p ( x, y )
w( x, y, z ), z ( x, y, z )

v( x, y, z ), zy ( x, y, z )

u ( x, y , z ), zx ( x, y , z )

Dependent variable on a plane z = a constant =

u , v, w, zx , zy and z

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18

Laminate under Plane Strain Condition

z

2D plane-strain problem
Bottom surface is free of any
stresses and top surface is
loaded with transversely
distributed loading system

a
z

p ( x)

z
z

w( x, z ), z ( x, z )

u ( x, z ), zx ( x, z )

Reference Axis
System

a
Laminate subjected to transverse loading

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19

2D Stress Analysis
Basic Elasticity Relations in 2D
Constitutive Relations

C
T
where, x z xz
T
x z xz
C11 C12 0
Q C12 C22 0

0
0 C22

Equations of Equilibrium

Strain-Displacement Relationship

x zx

Bx 0
x
z
xz z

Bz 0
x
z

u
x
x
w
z
z
u w
zx

z x

Cij different for plane-strain and plane-stress

eight unknowns in eight equations

u, w, x , z , zx , x , z and zx
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20

2D Stress Analysis
Partial Differential Equations

Primary Set

u
w
zx
z
C33
x
w
1

z
C22

u , w, zx & z

z C21

u
x

zx
C12C21
C11

z
C
33

zx
z

z
x
and, Secondary variable,

x C11

2u C12 z

2
x
C22 x

in form of set of four primary variables

C12C21 u C12

C22 x C22
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21

2D Stress Analysis
Intensity of transverse loading can be expressed in the form of a Fourier series,

p( x)

m 1,3,....

p0 m

m x
sin
a

where, p0 m p0
p0 m

for sinusoidal load corresponding to 1st harmonic

4 p0

for uniformly distributed load

corresponding to mth harmonic

Semi-analytical Approach
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22

2D Stress Analysis: Semi-Analytical Model

Semi-analytical Approach
Assumed Variation of Displacements Variables

(Kantorovich method of transforming PDEs to ODEs)

m x
a
m
m x
w( x, z ) wm ( z ) sin
a
m

x=0

u ( x, z ) um ( z ) cos

and basic elasticity relations, it can be shown

Satisfying the simple

(diaphragm) support end
conditions exactly at the
both ends of beam/plate

m x
zx ( x, z ) zxm ( z ) cos
a
m
m x
z ( x, z ) z m ( z ) sin
a
m
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23

x=a

2D Stress Analysis: Semi-Analytical Model

Coupled First-Order Ordinary Differential Equations
dum ( z )
m
1
wm ( z )

zxm ( z )
dz
a
C33
dwm ( z ) C21
m
1

um ( z )

zm ( z )
dz
C22
a
C22
d zx m ( z )
C12C21 m 2 2
C12 m
C11
um ( z )
zm ( z )

2
dz
C22
a
C22 a

d z m ( z ) m

zx m ( z )
dz
a

Secondary Variable

C12C21
m
x
C11
a
C22

C 12
u
(
z
)

m m C

22

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24

m x

(
z
)
sin
m zm
a

2D Stress Analysis: Semi-Analytical Model

These first-order system of equations can be numerically

integrated by an efficient ODE integrator e.g., fourth-order
Runge-Kutta-GILL method, Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method,
etc.

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25

3D Plate
Limitations of Semi-Analytical Approach
restricted to only simple support end conditions
on two opposite edges
not capable to handle general angle-ply laminates
To remove the above limitations

We introduce here the concept of partial discretization for the

first time (finite element discritization in inplane x direction)
results in a system of coupled discrete first-order ordinary
differential equations connecting all finite element nodes.
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26

Idea of Generalization

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27

Partial Finite Element Approach

y

lex

ley

(i )
element

Concept of partial discretization

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28

2D Stress Analysis: Partial Mixed FE Model

z

n 1

le

n 1

le

x
Concept of partial discritization

Partial Mixed Finite Element Approach

z
w1 ( z ), z1 ( z )

u1 ( z ), zx1 ( z )

w2 ( z ), z 2 ( z )

e
1

le

u2 ( z ), zx 2 ( z )

CANCAM07, Toronto, CANADA, 3-7

Linear Element
29

2D Stress Analysis: Partial Mixed FE Model

Partial Mixed Finite Element Approach
Assumed Variation of Primary Displacements Variables at discrete node
u u ( x, z )

u ( z) N
i 1

( x, z )
ww

( x)

w ( z) N
i 1

and basic elasticity relations, it can be shown

( x)

zx zx ( x, z ) zxi ( z ) N i ( x)
i 1
2

z z ( x, z ) z i ( z ) N i ( x )
i 1

where

x
N1 ( x) 1
le

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and
30

x
N 2 ( x)
le

2D Stress Analysis: Partial Mixed FE Model

Strong Bubnov-Galerkin weighted residual statements
(with the help of governing Partial Differential Equations)

le

le

le

u ( x, z ) w
( x, z ) zx ( x, z )

dx 0
z
x
Gzx

Ni ( x)

w
( x, z ) C21 u ( x, z ) z ( x, z )

dx 0
z
C22
x
C22

Ni ( x)

zx ( x, z )

C12C21 2u ( x, z ) C12 z ( x, z )
N i ( x)
C11

B
(
x
,
z
) dx 0

x
2
z
C22
x
C22
x

contains second order derivative of

le

z ( x, z ) zx ( x, z )

Ni ( x)

Bz ( x, z ) dx 0
z
x

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31

2D Stress Analysis: Partial Mixed FE Model

Replacing in its Weak Weighted Residual form

le dN ( x )
zx ( x, z )
C12C21 u ( x, z )
i
N i ( x)
dx
C11
dx

0
z
dx
C22
x

le

le

C12 z ( x, z )
C12C21 u ( x, z )
N i ( x)
dx N i ( x) C11

C22
x
C22
x

le

N i ( x)B x ( x, z )dx 0
0

defines boundary terms

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32

le

2D Stress Analysis: Partial Mixed FE Model

On substitution of assumed discrete relations, a system of 8 coupled
first-order ordinary differential equations is obtained
Ae11 0
u e1 ( z ) 0 B e12
0
0 Ae15 0
0
0

e
e
e
e
0
A
0
0
0
A
0
0
w
(
z
)
22
26
1

B 21 0
0
e xz1 x( z ) B e31 0
0 Ae33 0
0
0 Ae37 0

0
0 Ae 44 0
0
0 Ae 48 d e z1 ( z )
0
0
0

Ae
0
0
0 Ae55 0
0
0 dz u e 2 ( z )
0 B e52
51

e
e
e
e

0
A
0
0
0
A
0
0
w 2 ( z)

B 61 0
62
66

0
Be
0 Ae 73 0
0
0 Ae77 0
0
e xz 2 ( z )

71
e ( z )
0
0
0
0 Ae84 0
0
0 Ae88
0

z2

B e13 0
0 B e16 B e17 0 u e1 ( z )

0 B e 24 B e 25 0
0 B e 28 we1 ( z )
0 B e34 B e35 0
0 B e38 e xz1 ( z )

B e 43 0
0
0 B e 47 0 e z1 ( z )

B e53 0
0 B e56 B e57 0 u e 2 ( z )

0 B e 64 B e 65 0
0 B e 68 we 2 ( z )

0 B e 74 B e 75 0
0 B e 78 e xz 2 ( z )

e
e
B 83 0
0
0 B 87 0 e z 2 ( z )

OR

d e
A ( x)
y ( z ) B e ( x , z ) y e ( z ) p e ( x, z )
dz
e

Standard semi discrete system of equation

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33

0
0

p e 3
e
p 4

0
0
e
p 7
pe
8

2D Stress Analysis: Partial Mixed FE Model

After assembling of n number of 2`-noded elements
n

n
n
d
e
e
e
e
e
A
(
x
)
y
(
z
)

B
(
x
,
z
)
y
(
z
)

p
( x, z )

dz
k 1
k 1
k 1

OR
A ( x)

d
y ( z ) B ( x, z ) y ( z ) p ( x, z )
dz
On multiplication by A ( x )

d
y ( z ) C ( x , z ) y ( z ) f ( x, z )
dz
where

C ( x , z ) A ( x ) B ( x, z )
1

and

f ( x, z ) A ( x)

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34

p ( x, z )

Numerical Investigation 2D Stress Analysis

Static analysis of simply supported orthotropic-homogenous laminate under sinusoidal loading
Aspect
Ratio

10

Stresses/displacement
Source

x
(a/2, h/2)

zx
(max)

w
(a/2, 0)

Semi-analytical

0.9006
(.0000)

0.4328
(-.0462)

1.9489
(-.0051)

Partial FEM

0.8204
(8.844)

0.4759
(9.907)

1.9906
(2.134)

Pagano (1969)

0.9006

0.4330

1.9490

Semi-analytical

0.6569
(.0000)

0.4683
(.0000)

0.7319
(.0000)

Partial FEM

0.6432
(-2.085)

0.4788
(2.242)

0.7306
(-0.177)

Pagano (1969)

0.6569

0.4683

0.7319

Semi-Analytical
Partial FEM
Pagano (1969)

w (a /2 , )0

2.0

1.6

1.2

0.50

a/h=4

0.25

Semi-analytical
Partial FEM
Pagano (1969)

z 0.00

0.00

xz (0,z)

-0.50

Transverse Shear Stress

0.4
10

20

30

a/h

40

0.50

-0.25

0.8

0.25

50

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35

Numerical Investigation 2D Stress Analysis

Static analysis of simply supported two-layered cross-ply un-symmetric laminate under sinusoidal
loading- Plane Strain
Aspect
Ratio

10

50

0.50

Stresses/displacement
Source

x
(a/2, h/2)

zx
(max)

w
(a/2, 0)

Semi-analytical

0.2397
(.0000)

0.6800
(-.0735)

4.6952
(-.0021)

Partial FEM

0.2325
(-3.003)

0.6983
(2.615)

4.6826
(-.2700)

Pagano (1969)

0.2397

0.6805

4.6953

Semi-analytical

0.1983
(.0000)

0.7255
(-.1789)

2.9538
(.0000)

Partial FEM

0.1952
(-1.563)

0.7343
(1.0320)

2.9503
(-.1180)

Pagano (1969)

0.1983

0.7268

2.9538

Semi-analytical

0.1897
(.0000)

0.7354
(-.2300)

2.6323
(.0000)

Partial FEM

0.1866
(-1.634)

0.7465
(1.275)

2.6267
(-.2130)

Pagano (1969)

0.1897

0.7371

2.6323

a/h=4

0.25

Semi-analytical
Partial FEM
Pagano (1969)
0.00
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0 -0.5 0.0

0.5

1.0

x (a/2, z)
-0.25

-0.50

Transverse Shear Stress

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36

1.5

Numerical Investigation 2D Stress Analysis

Static analysis of simply supported two-layered cross-ply un-symmetric wide laminate under
transverse loading- Plane Strain
a/h=4

0.50

0.50
1

Sinusoidal load

Uniformly distributed load

0.25

0.25

0.00
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0

0.00
1

-3

-1

x(a/2,z)

u (0,z)
-0.25

-2

Semi-Analytical

-0.25

Semi-Analytical

Partial FEM

-0.50

Partial FEM

-0.50

Pagano (1969)

Inplane Displacement

Inplane Normal Stress

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37

Concluding Remarks
Motivation for this presentation came from a desire to have an effective,
an efficient and an accurate technique for evaluation/estimation of
transverse interlaminar stresses.

In the available approaches, the inplane lamina stresses are first

computed in the first phase of any general laminate analysis. The
transverse interlaminar stresses are then estimated by integrating the
3D elasticity equilibrium equations in the second post-processing
phase. The post processing phase is unfortunately beset with both
analytical and numerical problems/difficulties.

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38

Concluding Remarks
Kantorovich method of transforming PDEs into a set of ODEs is
generalized here by introducing FEM discretization in place of assumed
global functions for prismatic domain defined by all but one
independent coordinates.

d
A y ( z ) By ( z ) p
dz

We can call this technique as a partial disretization procedure for BVPs

defined by elliptic equations. One can contrast this with usual partial
discretization for time dependent IVPs defined by parabolic and
.
hyperbolic equations. ..

M d + C d + Kd F

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39

Concluding Remarks
Displacement Based 3D Finite Element Model
Displacements are the degree of freedoms
Involved assumptions in all three directions
Equations form is algebraic
Mixed 3D Finite Element Model
Displacements and corresponding stresses
are the degree of freedoms
Involved assumptions in all three directions
Equations form is algebraic
Mixed Partial Finite Element Model
Displacements and corresponding stresses
are the degree of freedoms
No assumption along the thickness direction
Equations form is ODE system
40
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Concluding Remarks
This technique occupies an intermediate position between exact (?) and
fully discrete solutions.

The advantage of this technique, apart from its great accuracy, consists
in that only part of the expression giving the solution is chosen a priori
(global or discrete), part of the functions being determined in
accordance with the character of the physics of the problem.

The technique is applicable to general BVPs, i.e., homogeneous

equations with non-homogeneous BCs, non-homogeneous equations
with homogeneous and/or non-homogeneous BCs.

Both displacements and corresponding stresses are evaluated

simultaneously with same degree of accuracy.
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Concluding Remarks
Standard form of semi-discrete equation,
d
A ( x)
y ( z ) B ( x, z ) y ( z ) p ( x, z )
dz

is always obtained for any problem wherein global properties are obtained
by the summation of the elemental properties as follows in the usual
n
manner,
e

A A ( x)
k 1
n

B B e ( x, z )
k 1
n

p p e ( x, z )
k 1

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42

Recent References
Tarun Kant, Sandeep S. Pendhari and Yogesh M. Desai. (2007)A general
discretization methodology for interlaminar stress computation in
composite laminates. Computer Modeling in Engineering and
Science,17(2), 135-161.
Tarun Kant, Sandeep S. Pendhari and Yogesh M. Desai. (2007)On accurate
stress analysis of composite and sandwich narrow beams. International
Journal of Computational Methods in Engineering and Science, in press.
Tarun Kant, Sandeep S. Pendhari and Yogesh M. Desai. (2007)A novel finite
element numerical integration model for composite laminates supported on
two opposite edges. ASME Journal of Applied Mechancis, in press.
Tarun Kant, Yogesh Desai and Sandeep Pendhari. Stress analyses of
laminates under cylindrical bending. Communication in Numerical
Methods in Engineering, in press.
Tarun Kant, Sandeep S. Pendhari and Yogesh M. Desai. A new partial finite
element model for statics of sandwich plates. Journal of Sandwich
Structures and Materials, in press.
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43

Acknowledgements
IIT Bombay
Aeronautics R&D Board, Ministry of Defence
Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, DAE
NP Sahani (MTech 1984)
AS Bookwala (MTech 1985)
S Sharma (MTech 1986)
BN Pandya (PhD 1987)
JH Varaiya (PhD 1988)
CP Arora (MTech 1988)
Mallikarjuna (PhD 1989)
AB Gupta (MTech 1990)
BS Manjunatha (PhD 1991)
TS Reddy (MTech 1991)
MP Menon (PhD 1992)
S S Pendhari (PhD 2007)

MG Kollegal (MTech 1992)

JR Kommineni (PhD 1993)
HS Patil (PhD 1993)
Vijay Rode (PhD 1996)
RK Khare (PhD 1996)
SR Bhate (PhD 1999)
Shrish Kale (PhD 2000)
K Swaminathan (PhD 2000)
C Sarath Babu (PhD 2001)
VPV Ramana (PhD 2003)
C. V. Subbaiah (MTech 2005)

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