A New Feature to Model Shell-Like Structures with Stacked Elements

A computational method for the numerical simulation of stacked shell-like structures will be presented. These types of plane load-bearing components possess a thickness which is small compared to its other (in-plane) dimensions and physical properties vary in thickness direction in distinct layers. Such materials are made from two or more constituent materials with different physical or chemical properties, that when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. The individual components remain separate and distinct within the finished structure. The new combined material is often stronger, lighter or less expensive when compared to traditional raw materials. Examples would be sandwich plate systems (SPS), composite laminates, plywood plates or laminated glass as shown in Figure 1.