2D Finite Element Formulation for 3D Temperature Analysis of Layered Hybrid Structures

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) finite element formulations are usually applied for the analysis of temperature fields for hybrid and conventional composite structures. This leads to a high effort with respect to discretisation and computation time, especially for transient calculations. Using a new formulation basing on a two-dimensional (2D) finite element discretisation it is now possible to approximate the three-dimensional temperature field very effectively. Through combination of layerwise shape functions in thickness direction (linear or quadratic) and suitable heat transfer conditions at the interfaces the nodal number of degrees of freedom remains independent from the number of layers. In conjunction with shell elements that are generally applied for the stress analysis of thin composite structures it is also easier to transfer temperature data fields due to the same two-dimensional discretisation. This leads to a fast and accurate formulation for the temperature analysis of hybrid composite structures.