Four-node shell element for doubly curved multilayered composites based on the Refined Zigzag Theory

In the present paper a generalization of the Refined Zigzag Theory (RZT) to doubly-curved multilayered structures is proposed. The displacement field characteristic of Naghdi’s shell model is enriched with RZT kinematics and a four-node shell finite element is formulated. Assumed Natural Strain (ANS) strategy is employed to overcome shear locking and Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) technique is applied to alleviate membrane locking and bending locking. For efficiency purpose, a one-point quadrature rule is used for the in-plane integration and hourglass stabilization is introduced. Finally, several numerical examples, involving static analysis of thick as well as thin shells, are performed to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed shell finite element.