Dynamic analysis of laminated composite plates subjected to thermal/mechanical loads using an accurate theory

This paper deals with the application of a new higher-order theory that acc ounts for the realistic variation of in-plane and transverse displacements through the thickness for the dynamic response analysis of thick multi-laye red composite plates. The solutions are obtained employing the finite eleme nt procedure based on a C-0 eight-noded serendipity quadrilateral element. The importance of various higher-order terms in the present model is highli ghted through the numerical study of mechanical and thermal loads. A detail ed study is also carried out considering the influences of ply angle, aspec t ratio, number of layers and thermal coefficients on the global response o f thick laminates. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.