Object-oriented framework for 3D bending and free vibration analysis of multilayer plates: Application to cross-laminated timber and soft-core sandwich panels

Abstract

In the paper, the main steps involved in the development of an object-oriented computational framework for the 3D bending and free vibration analysis of multilayer plates are presented. The mathematical formulation for layered finite elements is based on Reddy’s plate theory for laminated composites. The analysis model has been implemented into Matlab, and the pre- and post-processing phases are performed using GiD. The proposed solver is characterized by a fast assembly procedure of sparse matrices using matrix vectorization, and a novel algorithm for the evaluation of interlaminar stresses satisfying continuity at layer interfaces. The performance, efficiency and accuracy of the computational framework are demonstrated through a number of validation examples by comparing the obtained results against the exact solution. Results from both static and dynamic analyses of multilayer panels are shown.