C-Z(0) REQUIREMENTS - MODELS FOR THE 2-DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF MULTILAYERED STRUCTURES

In the field of axiomatic, linear-elastic, two dimensional modeling of multilayered structures this paper addresses theories in view of the C-z(0) requirements, i.e. both the zig-zag form of the displacement co mponents along the thickness coordinate and the interlaminar equilibri a at the interfaces for the transverse stress components are taken int o account. First, existing single-layer models are reviewed: (1) it is remarked that they are of limited value to analyze problems in which an accurate description of the transverse normal stress and related co nsequences is requested; (2) it is concluded that such description wou ld require the use of layer-wise theories. Moreover, it is single out that available layer-wise models do not fulfill a priori interlaminar equilibria. The contents of a recent author's work (Carrera 1994a, in press) have been extended to propose some layer-wise models as tools t o fulfill a priori and complete the C-z(0) requirements. Approximate s olution procedures are referred and the governing equations have been presented in the form of a linear system of algebraic equations. The m ixed and displacement formulations are described by employing a Reissn er mixed variational theorem and by writing a weak form of the Hooke l aw, respectively. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.