The polar method as a tool for solving inverse problems of the classical laminated plate theory

Abstract

Fiber reinforced laminates are widely used in modem applications. For these kinds of structures, the Classical Laminated Plate Theory and its various extensions provide efficient methods for theoretical analysis, that is, when the stacking sequence, the orientations, and the properties of the individual laminas are known. For design of laminates, a very limited number of rules are available. For stiffriess design, two are currently known and used in practical applications: the Werren and Norris rule to get membrane isotropy, and the symmetrical sequence rule to suppress stretching/bending coupling. This chapter deals with the resolution of inverse problems of the Classical Laminated Plate Theory. It presents an original method for design of laminates based upon the polar description of tensors.