On a boundary layer phenomenon in Mindlin-Reissner plate theory for laminated circular sector plates

In this article, the edge-zone equation of Mindlin-Reissner plate theory, f or composite plates laminated of transversely isotropic layers is studied. Analytical solutions are obtained for both circular sector and completely c ircular plates with various boundary conditions. The boundary-layer functio n and its effect on the stresses are numerically studied. Effects of plate thickness and boundary conditions are investigated. The results for circula r and completely circular plates are exactly the same as those of rectangul ar plates in our previous work. Therefore, this boundary layer phenomenon s eems to be geometry independent.