Geometrically nonlinear transient analysis of laminated composite shells using the finite element method

The nonlinear transient response of composite shells with/without cutouts and initial geometric imperfection is investigated using the finite element method. The present formulation considers doubly curved shells incorporating von Kármán type nonlinear strains into the first order shear deformation theory. The analysis is carried out using quadratic C0 eight-noded isoparametric element. The governing nonlinear equations are solved by using the Newmark average acceleration method in the time integration in conjunction with modified Newton–Raphson iteration scheme. The validity of the model is demonstrated by comparing the present results with those available in the literature. Parametric studies are carried out varying the radius of curvature to width ratio and amplitude of initial geometric imperfection of laminated composite cylindrical, spherical and hyperbolic paraboloid shells with/without cutouts.