Simplified ultimate strength analysis of compressed composite plates with linear material degradation

Simply supported, rectangular, composite plates subjected to in-plane compressive load have been investigated for ultimate strength. An efficient, semi-analytical method has been established based on large deflection theory and first order shear deformation theory. After damage initiation, linear degradation of the material properties has been applied to the affected region of a failed ply. Two different displacement fields have been examined for their influence on the strength predictions. The approach is validated against earlier advanced finite element calculations, and can be readily applied in specific design situations or to generate parametric design curves.