A new shear deformation theory for the static analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates

• A new inverse trigonometric zigzag theory is developed and employed for static analysis for laminated composite and sandwich plate.
• An efficient eight noded isoparametric C0 element is implemented for the finite element model.
• The numerical results are obtained for both composite and sandwich plates with different loading and boundary conditions.
• The accuracy of evaluated results signifies the efficiency of the present model.

In the present work, a new Inverse Trigonometric Zigzag Theory is proposed and implemented for the static analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates. The theory assumes the higher order displacement field across the plate thickness satisfying the continuity conditions at the layer interfaces. Zero transverse shear stress boundary conditions at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate are also satisfied. An efficient C0 finite element model is developed and employed to investigate the static response of laminated and sandwich plates. Numerical examples covering different features of laminated composite and sandwich plates are pronounced in the present study. The performance of the model is observed by comparing the evaluated results with different published results available in literature which ascertain its precision and range of applicability.