Thermoelastic models for layered structures. Applications to laminated glass

This work focuses on the structural and thermal analysis of layered structures. The first half is dedicated to studying the structural response of laminated glass beams through both analytical and numerical methods. My primary contribution in this area is the introduction of the "Special Zigzag" theory. In addition to providing analytical solutions for common engineering problems, I developed a finite element to address more general cases. The second half of the work concentrates on the transient heat conduction problem. My contribution here involves developing a novel flux-based variational principle, which builds on the original variational/Lagrangian analysis of heat conduction formalized by M. Biot. This new variational principle greatly simplifies the thermal analysis of composite structures made from materials with varying thermal properties. It also facilitates the formulation of a simple and accurate C0 isoparametric finite element. The work is further supported by a variety of examples that serve both as validation and practical applications for the developed concepts.