Variable kinematic plate elements coupled via Arlequin method

In this work, plate elements based on different kinematic assumptions and variational principles are combined through the Arlequin method. Computational costs are reduced assuming refined models only in those zones with a quasi-three-dimensional stress field, whereas computationally cheap, low-order elements are used in the remaining parts of the plate. Plate elements are formulated on the basis of a unified formulation (UF). Via UF, higher-order, layer-wise and mixed theories can be easily formulated. Classical theories, such as Kirchhoff's and Reissner's models, can be obtained as particular cases. UF is extended to the Arlequin method to derive the matrices that account for the coupling between different theories. Multi-layered composite plates are investigated. Variable kinematic multiple models solutions are assessed towards mono-model results and three-dimensional exact results. Numerical investigation has shown that Arlequin method in the context of UF effectively couples sub-domains having finite elements based upon different theories, reducing the computational costs without loss of accuracy.