In COMSOL Multiphysics, the first order shear deformation (ESL-FSDT) theory is one of the options for analyzing composite laminates. This theory is implemented in the Linear Elastic Material, Layered,
Hyperelastic Material, Layered, and
Piezoelectric Material, Layered material models in the Shell interface. It has an MITC (
mixed interpolation of tensorial components) formulation. As this theory accounts for the transverse shear deformation, it can be used for thick shells.