AN EVALUATION OF THE EDGE SOLUTION FOR A HIGHER-ORDER LAMINATED PLATE-THEORY

An analytical study was conducted to determine the edge effects upon a higher-order laminated plate theory due to Touratier (Int. J. Engng S ci., 29 (1991) 911-16). The problem considered is a sandwich plate sim ply supported along two opposite edges and clamped along its two other s. The plate is loaded in statics by a pressure upon its top surface a nd the load is 'sinusoidal-uniform'. Results are presented for the tra nsverse displacement and the stresses, using the theories of Kirchhoff -Love, Touratier and three-dimensional finite element computations. Th e results indicate clearly the importance of including transverse shea r effects. Analytical calculations from the higher-order plate theory are in good agreement with three-dimensional finite element computatio ns. Near to the clamped edges of the sandwich plate, a particular effe ct is shown upon the in-plane stresses, i.e. the Kirchhoff-Love theory .