Bending analysis of laminated sector plates with polar and rectilinear orthotropy

Bending of sector plates with both polar and rectilinear orthotropy is investigated using generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method. The governing equations are written in polar coordinate system within the framework of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). In polar orthotropic sector plates variation of thickness along radial direction due to moving out radial fibers, is considered. In rectilinear cases the variation of stiffness along circumferential direction due to variation of fiber angle with radial line, is considered. The governing equations are based on the FSDT which consists of thirteen first-order partial differential equations in terms of unknown displacements, rotations, forces and moments. Governing equations are discretized at whole domain grid points and boundary conditions are implemented exactly at boundary grid points using the GDQ method. Application of the GDQ technique to the governing equations, solution domain and boundary conditions leads to a system of algebraic equations. To compare the results of this study, the problems are also analyzed using commercial finite element software Abaqus. Various combinations of clamped, simply supported and free boundary conditions are implemented. It is found that the present method can analyze accurately sector plates with both polar and rectilinear orthotropy.

► Bending of sector plates with polar and rectilinear orthotropy is investigated.
► Radial thickness variation is considered for polar orthotropic sector plates.
► Circumferential stiffness variation is considered for rectilinear sector plates.
► The effects of thickness and stiffness variations are evaluated.
► Various boundary conditions, lay-ups and plate geometries are studied.