Anisotropic cubic hermitian polynomials and their use in the theory of laminated plates

Anisotropic, cubic Hermitian polynomials are derived and permit a convenient formulation of a zig-zag-type, third-order theory for laminated composite plates. The procedure is exactly the same as for isotropic and orthotropic homogeneous plates. This paper discusses the key aspects of the proposed third-order theory for laminated composite plates. The basis and main properties of the anisotropic Hermitian polynomials are elaborated and their behaviour is demonstrated through a set of numerical examples.