Assessment of inverse hyperbolic zigzag theory for buckling analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates using finite element method

Abstract

In the present study, a recently developed non-polynomial zigzag theory by the authors is assessed for the buckling analysis of the laminated composite and sandwich plates. This theory assumes a nonlinear distribution for the transverse shear stresses. The model satisfies the transverse shear stress free boundary conditions at top and bottom surfaces of the laminate obviating the need for a shear correction factor. An efficient C0 continuous isoparametric serendipity element is employed for the discretization of plate structure for the assessment of buckling responses. The Gauss quadrature rule with reduced integration scheme for thin laminate and full integration rule for thick laminate are implemented in the analysis. Some representative results are obtained on buckling analysis covering different features of laminated composite and sandwich structures such as modular ratios, aspect ratios, loading conditions, boundary conditions and span to thickness ratios. The evaluated results are compared with results available in the literature to ensure the efficacy of the present theory. The excellent agreement of the evaluated results with the three-dimensional elasticity results concludes that the presented models are not only accurate but also efficient.