Buckling analysis of laminated composite plates [(θ/−θ)] containing an elliptical notch

In this study, a buckling analysis was performed on square plates made of composite material with and without elliptical notch using the finite element method. The boron/epoxy laminated plates were asymmetrically orderly arranged into the following way [(θ/−θ)]. The resistance to buckling of the laminated plates subjected to mono-axial compression is highlighted according to the fiber orientations, the degree of anisotropy, size and the orientation of the notch. Results show that the minimum buckling load obtained corresponds to the largest ratio a/b = 1 (circular notch), while maximum buckling loads correspond to the smallest ratio of the geometric defect a/b. More the size of the geometric defect is important less the buckling load will be. Thus, the amplification factor N∗ grows with the increase of the ply thickness. When φ = 0° and the angle of orientation of fibers is θ = 0°, N∗ is of the order of 5 and doubles when θ = 90°. While for φ = 90°, the maximum amplification is of the order of 4% for θ = 45° corresponding to the minimum value of the first case where φ = 0° and θ = 0°.