Abstract
In this paper a finite element procedure for modelling the viscoelastic behaviour of orthotropic composites is presented. The procedure uses the commercially available finite element package ABAQUS and requires no code development. The procedure utilises two coincident shell elements to model the orthotropic viscoelastic behaviour of a composite laminate. The first element exhibits isotropic and viscoelastic behaviour, while the second element exhibits orthotropic and elastic behaviour. The elements are superimposed in such a way that they are coincident. That is, the two shell elements share the same nodes and hence deform together. Consequently, it is expected that this combined hybrid model will exhibit combined orthotropic and viscoelastic behaviour. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the capability and accuracy of the new procedure.