Shear deformable user finite element for MARC to model composites with taper

A shear deformable composite element is implemented as a user element in MARC. The element accommodates variable element thickness and hygrothermal load options. Example problems, a simply supported tapered plate, and a cantilevered tapered plate, both at various aspect ratios, are analyzed to benchmark the element and demonstrate the user elementʹs ability to model tapered laminated plates and hygrothermal loads. © 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.