A semi-energy finite strip non-linear analysis of imperfect composite laminates subjected to end-shortening

The geometric non-linear analysis of imperfect composite laminates is presented based on the concept of the Semi-Energy finite strip method (FSM). The initial out-of-plane imperfection is assumed to be of the sinusoidal shape in the longitudinal direction, and of different shapes in the transverse direction. The validity and numerical efficiency of the developed semi-energy FSM is investigated by comparing the results with those obtained from a fairly conventional and well exploited finite strip technique, namely the Full-Energy FSM as well as the evaluated results from ANSYS.

► A semi-energy FSM is developed for post-buckling analysis of imperfect composite laminates.
► Simply-supported thin symmetric laminates with different imperfection shapes are analyzed.
► The semi-energy FSM results are compared with full-energy FSM and FEM ones.
► The post-buckling response of imperfect laminates is strongly influenced by the form and magnitude of the initial imperfection.
► Semi-energy FSM is a more computationally efficient approach in comparison to full-energy FSM and FEM.