A special class of uncoupled and quasi-homogeneous laminates

This paper deals with two main problems in laminate design: the search for uncoupled and quasi-homogeneous laminates. Using the polar representation m ethod, the authors show the existence of a particular class of mathematical ly exact solutions to these two problems. An important feature of these sol utions is that they are independent of the orientations of the layers. In f act. these orientations are not fixed by the method, and each solution dete rmines in reality only a stacking sequence. where each layer belongs to a g roup of plies having the same orientation. The orientations remain undeterm ined, and it is up to the designer to fix them. In any event, whether the l aminate is uncoupled or quasi-homogeneous. the orientations of the layers w ill reamin free. and this is a true advantage for an optimisation procedure when supplementary conditions are required The characteristics of the solu tions and the general results found by the authors are discussed in the pap er, which concludes with some numerical examples. (C) 2001 Published by Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.