Variable Kinematic Shell Formulations Accounting for Multi-field Effects for the Analysis of Multi-layered Structures

This chapter presents refined shell finite element models with variable kinematics for the analysis of multi-layered structures involved in four physical fields: mechanical, electric, thermal, and hygroscopic. Variable kinematic models in the framework of Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) with various kinematic assumptions are discussed. An efficient tool to realize adaptable refinement in finite element models, Node-Dependent Kinematics approach, is introduced. Refined doubly curved shell finite element formulations derived from the principle of virtual displacements accounting for multi-field coupling effects are presented.