Isogeometric analysis suitable trivariate NURBS representation of composite panels with a new offset algorithm

•Analysis suitable trivariate NURBS of composite panels are constructed.•A new curve/surface offset algorithm required by analysis is devised.•CAD to FEA route for composite panels is streamlined in the proposed framework.

Trivariate NURBS (non-uniform rational B-splines) representation of composite panels which is suitable for three-dimensional isogeometric analysis (IGA) is constructed with a new curve/surface offset algorithm. The proposed offset algorithm, which is required by IGA, is non-existent in the CAD literature. Using the presented approach, finite element analysis of composite panels can be performed with the only input being the geometry representation of the composite surface. The method proposed provides a bi-directional system in which one can go forward from CAD to analysis and backwards from analysis to CAD. This is believed to facilitate the design of composite structures. Different parts (patches) can be parametrized independently of each other and glued together, in the finite element solver, by a discontinuous Galerkin method. A stress analysis of curved composite panel with stiffeners is provided to demonstrate the proposed framework.