This paper presents a new completely hierarchical three dimensional curved shell finite element formulation for linear static analysis of laminated composite plates and shells. The element displacement approximation can be of arbitrary polynomial orderspξ,pηandpξin the ξ, η, and ξ directions thereby permitting strains of at least (pξ−1), (pη−1) and (pξ−1) order. The element approximation functions as well as the nodal variables are hierarchical. The element formulation ensuresC0continuity. The lamina properties are incorporated by numerically integrating the element stiffness matrix for each lamina. The formulation has no restriction on either the number of laminas or the layup pattern of the laminas. The geometry of the laminated shell element is described by the coordinates of the nodes lying on the middle surface of the element and the lamina thicknesses at each node. The element formulation is equally effective for very thin as well as very thick laminated plates and curved shells. The results obtained from the present formulation are compared with those available in the literature as well as available analyt
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