Shear correction factors for plates and shells

Multilayered plate and shell finite elements usually have a constant shear distribution across the thickness. This causes a decrease of accuracy, especially for sandwich structures. The problem is overcome by using shear correction factors which are defined by energy considerations. In this paper a study on shear correction factors is presented as well as typical applications. These factors are defined by studying a crossply laminate without midplane symmetry in cylindrical bending. It is possible to define one factor for a given cross section or several ones, one factor per ply. The two ways are equivalent. Special cases are studied: a multilayered plate, a symmetrical sandwich and a structure formed by two plates glued to each other. The importance of shear correction factors is illustrated in the case of plate and shell applications; the results are obtained by using three‐dimensional degenerated shell finite elements.