ABSTRACT
In the previous chapters, our discussions were centered on the behavior of fiber-reinforced composites without regard to the structure they are part of. The assumptions regarding the behavior of a fiber-reinforced material at a point, specifically the stress–strain relations, including the influence of free thermal strain were discussed in the previous chapters. In this chapter, we shall develop the tools necessary to study flat laminated plates and apply these tools to several problems that illustrate the unique response characteristics of fiber-reinforced structures in general, and plates in particular. The governing equations and boundary conditions for laminated plates have been discussed in detail. The Kirchhoff free-edge condition has been explained in a lucid manner. The governing equations for laminated plates have also been derived in displacement form. Lastly, the governing equations have been simplified by making certain assumptions.
