Theory and analysis of laminated composite plates

Abstract

Composite materials are commonly formed in three different types: (1) fibrous composites, which consist of fibers of one material in a matrix material of another; (2) particulate composites, which are composed of macro size particles of one material in a matrix of another; and (3) laminated composites, which are made of layers of different materials, including composites of the first two types. The particles and matrix in particulate composites can be either metallic or nonmetallic. Thus there exist four possible combinations: metallic in nonmetallic, nonmetallic in metallic, nonmetallic in nonmetallic, and metallic in metallic. During manufacturing of laminates, material defects such as interlaminar voids, delamination, incorrect orientation, damaged fibers, and variation in thickness may be introduced. It is impossible to eliminate manufacturing defects altogether. Therefore, analysis and design procedures should account for the defects.