Finite Element Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Composite Laminates

Abstract

Minimization and miniaturization plays a major role in structural engineering design. The fiber reinforced composites finds suitable replacement of conventional materials. Apt aim of using the composite material is for high strength to weight ratio and to meet the applications with specific properties. In this work the buckling behavior of composite laminate plates is studied by varying the parameters like material for the plies, ply orientation angles, size of the plate etc., Finite element analysis is used for carrying out numeral cases of the buckling analysis. Numerical simulation for the two ply and three ply composite laminates was also carried out based on the first order plate theory and shear deformation theory to validate the obtained results. The variation in buckling behavior of the laminates vs. ply angles and material combinations were studied.