Computational models for the static and dynamic analyses of laminated composite plates

The present study is to assess the accuracy of the few computational models based on various shear deformation theories in predicting the static and dynamic behaviour of antisymmetric angle-ply laminated composite plates. In the present investigation two higher order refined computational models incorporate the laminate deformations which account for the effects of both transverse shear and normal deformation and a non-linear variation of in-plane displacements are used. In addition to above, few higher order models and the first order model developed by other investigators and available in the literature are also considered for the evaluation. The equations of equilibrium are obtained using Principle of Minimum Potential Energy and the equations of motion using Hamilton's principle. Solutions are obtained in closed-form using Navier's solution technique. The solutions of the static analysis are obtained by solving the boundary value problem and the natural frequencies are obtained by solving the eigenvalue problem. The accuracy of the solutions obtained from the different models are established by comparing the results with the solutions wherever available in the literature. Results generated independently using the various models are presented for antisymmetric angle ply composite plates which will serve as benchmark solutions for future investigations.