Superior structural performance in terms of reduced stress level and higher buckling load can be achieved by an appropriate redistribution of the load via variable stiffness properties. This is achieved by the adoption of curvilinear fibers, according to the concept of Variable Angle Tow (VAT) composites. This work presents a quartic triangular element based on the Generalized Unified Formulation (GUF). Each displacement variable has an independent axiomatic description in the thickness direction in terms of adopted functions and order of expansion. A square isotropic, cross-ply, and VAT composite panel with hole has been investigated. The accuracy of displacement and stresses (including the transverse ones) has been proven to be excellent and computationally competitive even against the finite element formulation based on solid elements.
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