Global-Local Modelling with Node Dependent Kinematics and Arbitrary Displacement Fields for Plates

This paper introduces enhanced two-dimensional finite elements based on a node dependent kinematics method, which allows each node to adopt a unique thickness expansion. A key innovation of the proposed approach is the ability to independently select models for each of the three displacement variables, employing both Taylor-based and Legendre-based expansions for the cross-section. The formulation is developed within the framework of the Carrera Unified Formulation, which separates the three-dimensional displacement field into in-plane and crosssectional components. The method is validated for a free-edge problem by comparison with results from the literature and highly refined benchmark solutions. The findings show that the optimal computational model for balancing accuracy and efficiency is problem specific.