A large amount of finite elements have been developed for finite element analysis of laminated composite plates. The laminated plate theories are reviewed and summarized in this paper. The focus of this review is on the recently developed laminated finite elements since 1990. The 2-D triangular and quadrilateral displacement-based and mixed/hybrid-based finite element models, which were developed based on the first-order shear deformation theories, the higher-order shear deformation theories, the zig-zag theories and the global-local higher-order deformation theories, and the layer-wise laminated plate theories are reviewed in this paper and also their related patents. Finally, some points on the development of the laminated finite elements are summarized.
Composite laminated plates, laminated plate theories, laminated finite elements, displacement-based, mixed/hybridbased, computational models
School of Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, The University of New South Wales,Australian Defence Force Academy, Northcott Drive, Canberra, ACT 2600,Australia., School of Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, The University of New South Wales,Australian Defence Force Academy, Northcott Drive, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.