Modified discrete Mindlin hypothesises for laminated composite structures

Abstract The present work deals with a procedure of defining discrete kinematic and mechanic hypothesises for Reissner-Mindlin plate finite elements. They are associated with the transverse shear strains for which the corresponding classical approximations caused the shear locking problem. Used in the past for isotropic homogeneous bending-shear plates, these hypothesises have been locally modified in order to be used for laminated composite plates. The derived plate finite element model, labelled DDM “Displacement Discrete Mindlin” has been applied to a 3-node triangular (DMTP: Discrete Mindlin Triangle for Plates) and validated on some standard problem tests, including one or several orthotropic layers.