A new shear deformation theory for the static analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates

In the present work, a new Inverse Trigonometric Zigzag Theory is proposed and implemented for the static analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates. The theory assumes the higher order displacement field across the plate thickness satisfying the continuity conditions at the layer interfaces. Zero transverse shear stress boundary conditions at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate are also satisfied. An efficient C-0 finite element model is developed and employed to investigate the static response of laminated and sandwich plates. Numerical examples covering different features of laminated composite and sandwich plates are pronounced in the present study. The performance of the model is observed by comparing the evaluated results with different published results available in literature which ascertain its precision and range of applicability. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.