Geometrically Non-linear Analysis of Unsymmetrical Fiber-Reinforced Laminated Annular Sector Composite Plates

The geometrically non-linear behavior of unsymmetrical, fiber-reinforced, laminated, annular sector composite plates is studied. The first order shear deformation theory is applied to the von Karman type non-linear behavior of unsymmetrically, laminated, annular sector composite plates. Five equilibrium equations, five stress-displacement relations, three curvature-displacement relationships, together with eight stress resultants, stress couples and shear force relationships are solved. The nonlinear nature of the problem prohibits the application of a closed form solution method. Consequently, the Dynamic Relaxation (DR) numerical method is chosen for solving the system of 21 simultaneous equations. The in-plane and out-of-plane displacements are reported for different configurations of annular sector plates. Different sector angles, fiber orientations and plate thicknesses are considered. For better observation of the numerical methods, they are illustrated graphically. The correlations of the present results and the corresponding finite element generated results are very satisfactory.