On Definition of Clamped Conditions in TSDT and FSDT; The Use of Exponential Basis Functions in Solution of Laminated Composites

In this paper we shall first show that unlike the FSDT, the boundary conditions quoted in many references for clamped boundaries for the TSDT result in an inaccurate shear stress distribution. We then propose a new set of boundary conditions for clamed boundary condition when using TSDT. For the solution method we use a mesh free method introduced previously (Compos. Struct. 2011;93:3112-9 and 94:84-91) for bending analysis of laminated composite plates. The method provides the flexibility of applying various boundary conditions which may not be satisfied straightforwardly by other numerical method such as finite element method. Some benchmark problems are solved to support our discussion. The issue may be found useful for those who aim at using other theories such as Zig-Zag theory.