Abstract
The proposed research focuses on implementing an existing shear deformable composite element as a user element in MARC[]. Furthermore, the element is enhanced by developing an algorithm to accommodate variable thickness within an element and hygrothermal load capability. Minor modifications including improved calculation of the internal nodal forces vector, pre-and postprocessing in MENTAT[] (MARC[]s pre- and postprocessor) and calculation of strains for analysis in MENTAT[] are made to the element subroutine to improve efficiency and user friendliness. Benchmark problems used to test the range of the user element include transverse deflection of a simply supported square plate, open whole tension specimen at elevated temperature and tapered cantilevered plate.
Hofman, Brad Burdell (1996). Incorporation and modification of a shear deformable finite element into MARC. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1996 -THESIS -H64.