Free-edge stresses in antisymmetric angle-ply laminates in extension and torsion

The first-order shear deformation theory and the layerwise theory of laminated plates are employed to analyze the edge-effect problem of an antisymmetric angle-ply laminate subjected to arbitrary combinations of extensional and torsional loads. The first-order theory is used for predicting the unknown constant parameters appearing in the reduced displacement field of elasticity which, on the other hand, signify the global behavior of the laminate. A layerwise theory is then utilized to determine the local interlaminar stresses within the boundary-layer regions of laminates. In order to closely examine the behavioral characteristics of interlaminar stresses, various numerical examples are presented for different antisymmetric angle-ply laminates under an axial force and a torque. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.