Stress analysis of laminated composite plates with a circular hole according to a single-layer higher-order model

This paper presents a single-layer higher-order model for predicting the stresses at curved free boundaries of laminated composite plates subjected to inplane loading. The proposed model can automatically satisfy the continuity of transverse shear stresses at interfaces. Based on both the proposed model and the methodology of the discrete Kirchhoff plate bending element, a triangular finite element is also presented. Numerical examples of curved free-edge problems have been taken into account to illustrate the performance of the present approach. Numerical results showed that the proposed model is capable of predict inplane and interlaminar stresses around the circular hole. In addition, distribution of free-edge stress through-the-thickness of a laminate is also presented, which are usually unavailable in literature.