A C1 finite element capable of interlaminar stress continuity

This paper extends Lee and Liuʹs [Comput. Struct. 42 (1992) 69–78] zig-zag approach for matching tractions across material boundaries to a more traditional finite element implementation suitable for more general partial-coverage layups. Key quantities from a new C1-capable element are compared with traditional C0 elements and Paganoʹs analytical solution. Comparisons center around interface stresses, as might be used to predict debond of an active or passive damping treatment, and strain energy, the quantity often used to estimate damping is structures. It is shown that traction continuity is important in predicting interface stresses, but not in predicting strain energy distributions.