Assessment of plate theories for initially stressed hybrid laminated plates

This study presents numerical solutions to hybrid laminate plates in a general state of non-uniform initial stress based on various plate theories. Firstly, the governing equations were formulated using Lo’s high-order plate theory. The higher-order terms in Lo’s displacement field were neglected to obtain various simple governing equations based on first-order theory and other higher-order theories. The various governing equations was used to investigate the natural frequencies and buckling loads of hybrid Al/GRFP/Al plates subjected to initial stresses. The effects of various parameters on the vibration frequency and buckling coefficient were examined. The results show that the transverse shear strain, normal strain, initial stress state and thickness ratio of Al to GRFP strongly affect the stability and vibration of hybrid laminate plates.