An efficient higher order zigzag theory for laminated plates subjected to thermal loading

Abstract

A new efficient higher order zigzag theory is presented for laminated plates under thermal loading. The third order zigzag model is modified by replacing the uniform across the thickness approximation for the deflection with a layer-wise variable approximation for deflection which explicitly accounts for the transverse thermal strain. The thermal field is approximated as piecewise linear across the sub-layers. The displacement field is expressed in terms of the thermal field and only five primary displacement variables by satisfying exactly the conditions of zero transverse shear stresses at the top and the bottom and their continuity at the layer interfaces. The governing equations are derived using the principle of virtual work. Comparison of Navier solutions for simply-supported rectangular test plate devised for this study and composite and sandwich plates with the exact three-dimensional thermo-elasticity solutions for two kinds of thermal loads establishes that the present efficient zigzag theory is generally more accurate than the existing zigzag theory.