Z. Gurdal et R. Olmedo, INPLANE RESPONSE OF LAMINATES WITH SPATIALLY VARYING FIBER ORIENTATIONS - VARIABLE STIFFNESS CONCEPT, AIAA journal, 31(4), 1993, pp. 751-758
A solution to the plane elasticity problem for a symmetrically laminat
ed composite panel with spatially varying fiber orientations has been
obtained. The fiber angles vary along the length of the composite lami
nate, resulting in stiffness properties that change as a function of l
ocation. This work presents an analysis of the stiffness variation and
its effects on the elastic response of the panel. The in-plane respon
se of a variable stiffness panel is governed by a system of coupled el
liptic partial differential equations. Solving these equations yields
the displacement fields, from which the strains, stresses, and stress
resultants can be subsequently calculated. A numerical solution has be
en obtained using an iterative collocation technique. Corresponding cl
osed-form solutions are presented for three sets of boundary condition
s, two of which have exact solutions, and therefore serve to validate
the numerical model. The effects of the variable fiber orientation on
the displacement fields, stress resultants, and global stiffness are a
nalyzed.