ABSTRACT
General laminates are free from midplane symmetry. They can be asymmetric or antisymmetric; and can be of built-up and hybrid construction. A new coupling between stretching and flexure is introduced. The modulus and compliance matrices increase from 3 × 3 to 6 × 6. But the same methodology that governs the symmetric laminates is extended to the general laminates. General laminates are normally unsymmetric. This chapter shows that the general laminates are no more uncontrollable than the symmetrical, homogeneous laminates. The same theory and material property data control the behavior of all laminates. General laminates have properties which can be effectively utilized to produce unique performance. Index notation is almost a prerequisite in the study of general laminates. A highly coupled behavior is available and provides opportunities for design and fabrication not possible with the conventional material. The governing stress-strain relations are as conceptually simple as the symmetric laminates.
