A mixed finite element for static and buckling analysis of laminated folded plates

A mixed finite element for linear and nonlinear analysis of laminated folded plates is presented in this paper. The mixed formulation affords accurate prediction of stresses, which are needed for damage and failure analysis. Static condensation of the stress parameters results in a displacement-only element that is easy to integrate into commercial packages via their user element feature. The linear element is easily extended for nonlinear analysis by using a corotational formulation. Numerous test cases demonstrate the performance of the element by comparison with existing and, or costlier numerical solutions from the literature. The element is free from spurious modes employing full integration and an incompatible displacement mode on the contour displacements.