Nonlinear Bending Behaviour of Fiber Reinforced Composite Plates: Effects of Layer Stacking Sequences and Boundary Conditions on Nonlinear Bending Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Composite Plates

Abstract

This Composites are widely used in aeronautical, mechanical, civil and chemical industries due to their high strength to stiffness ratio and low weight to stiffness ratio. This work discuss about nonlinear bending behavior of the fiber reinforced composite square plate with various boundary conditions. The finite element formulation is based on first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The finite element analysis has been carried out for a composite plate using an eight noded quadrilateral element with a five degree of freedom (DOF). Nonlinear equations are linearized by Newton-Rapson method. Numerical analysis has been carried by developing a program in MatLab and various results are obtained. The results are compared with those available in the literature for its accuracy and validity. The results are interpreted and discussed - on the effect of no of layer, stacking sequences and different boundary condition on nonlinear deflection composite laminates. The stacking sequence, no of layers and boundary conditions play a vital role on nonlinear bending behaviour of composite structures.