Analytical modelling for thermo-mechanical analysis of cross-ply and angle-ply laminated composite plates

In the present work, the thermo-mechanical response characteristics of cross-ply as well as angle-ply laminated composite plates in closed form are investigated. The laminated composite plates are modelled in an axiomatic framework based on an inverse hyperbolic shear deformation theory (IHSDT). The governing differential equations are yielded by implementing the principle of virtual work. These governing equations are solved separately for cross-ply and angle-ply plates by consideration of stiffness characteristics of these plates. The sinusoidal and uniform transverse mechanical loading is considered with the linear and non-linear distribution of temperature across the depth of the plate. The simply supported composite plates are considered and Navier solutions satisfying the associated boundary constraints are developed. The mechanical and thermo-mechanical response characteristics of cross-ply and angle-ply plates under such conditions are investigated and the results are presented in the non-dimensional form. A comparison of the obtained results with the existing results for a variety of examples is presented and based on this comparison study, the validity, applicability and accuracy of IHSDT for such analysis is ensured. The applicability and accuracy of IHSDT for thermo-mechanical responses of laminated composite plates is ascertained on the basis of results presented. The effects of span thickness ratio, lamination sequence, loading and thermal conditions, material anisotropy ratio, and aspect ratio on the thermo-mechanical response characteristics are also concluded.