Non-linear static and dynamic analysis of heated laminated plates: A finite element approach

Abstract The static and dynamic thermoelastic responses of laminated plates have been investigated by the use of a shear flexible finite element model. The model accounts for large deflections of the plate and non-uniform distributions of temperature. A nine-noded isoparametric element is implemented to obtain the numerical solutions. The validity of the model is demonstrated by comparison with solutions available in the literature. A wide variety of results are presented for the non-linear response of rectangular and circular plates under thermal and thermo-mechanical loads. The influences of anisotropy, the boundary conditions, aspect ratio, rotary inertia and stacking sequence on the thermally induced response are studied.