Mixed-type finite element formulation of higher order shear deformation theory for the linear and nonlinear analyses of a laminated composite plate

For the linear and nonlinear analyses of a laminated composite plate structure, the mixed type finite element program is developed on the basis of higher order shear deformation theory of laminated plates. The accuracy of this program is checked by means of comparing with the existing results for laminated rectangular plates and is found to agree well with them. Deformations and interlaminar stresses of laminated plates are calculated according to the variation of layer numbers, fiber orientations, and plate thicknesses, so that the shear and nonlinear effects on their behaviors are studied. It is found that plate deformations are reduced by means of arranging the fiber direction into the angle-ply and increasing layer numbers.