A new geometrical nonlinear laminated theory for large deformation analysis

A six-variable geometrical nonlinear shear deformation laminated theory is presented in which normal stress and strain distribution can be calculated. By considering some affective factors-that were neglected under the finite deformation condition, an improved Von Karman geometrical nonlinear deform ation-strain relation is used for large deformation analysis. By analyzing the bending problem of laminated plates, and by comparing it with 3-D elast icity solutions and J.N. Reddy five-variable simple higher-order shear defo rmation laminated theory, we can come to a,conclusion that a satisfying pre cision of the calculation studied in this paper has been achieved, which sh ows that it is especially suitable for application of the calculation in th e condition of a large deformation and the laminated thick plate analysis. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.