Marina Rakocevic

By Marina Rakočević

Determination of stress‐strain state in contemporary laminated composite plates containing layers with continuous unidirectional fibers requires the application of refined plate theories, which include layerwise theory. In contrast to homogeneous isotropic plates, heterogeneity of the anisotropic structure of laminated composite plates often leads to the appearance of imperfections in the connection between the layers. Mathematical models, which are formed on the assumption that the plate is homogeneous and isotropic, cannot properly include irregularities that can occur at the level of the layer in the process of manufacture, transportation, installation, or exploitation. Mathematical models of layerwise theory allow defining a more realistic stress‐strain state through the thickness of the plate, where consideration is carried out at the level of the layer. Additionally, this model makes possible to include delaminations that might occur on the connection between the individual layers. In this chapter, Reddy's layerwise theory is applied in order to determine equations for the problem of bending of laminated composite plates. The bending equations are solved by applying analytical method by means of double trigonometric series, as well as by using numerical methods based on the finite elements. This chapter presents examples for both applied approaches.

Part of the book: Lamination