ABSTRACT
Multilayer structures are alternative materials used extensively in many fields such as in aerospace, naval industry and semiconductor technologies, for high performance and reliability (Chamis 2007). Example of multilayer structures are sandwich constructions, composite structures made of orthotropic lamina, layered structures made of different isotropic layers. In the last decades the use of sandwich construction grew rapidly around the world. Its advantages, the development of new materials and the necessity of high performance under static, dynamic and thermal loads guarantee that the sandwich structures will be in demand for many years (Vinson 1999, 2001, 2005). With the increased use of sandwich structures, there is a tremendous need to develop efficient manufacturing techniques, economical and effective repair techniques, and analysis methods to predict the short and long-term behavior of the multilayer composite materials under a variety of loading and environmental conditions.
