Non-homogeneous response of cross-ply laminated elastic plates using a higher-order theory

A consistent formulation for the bending of cross-ply laminated composite p lates that possess non-homogeneous elastic properties is presented. Based o n a third-order shear deformation plate theory, the governing equations are obtained using the principle of virtual work. With the help of the small p arameter method, a wide variety of results are presented for the symmetric and antisymmetric analysis of non-homogeneous rectangular laminated plates. The influence of non-homogeneity, lamination schemes, aspect ratio and mat erial anisotropy on the deflections and stresses is investigated. The new r esults for non-homogeneous response of composite plates should serve as ben ch marks for future comparisons. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.