Theories for the Dynamic Response of Laminated Plates

The effect of the heterogeneous shear deformation over the thickness of the plate on the dynamical behavior of laminated plates is investigated. Three sets of governing equations are derived according to different assumptions on the local transverse shear deformation and the interface conditions. The equations are evaluated by comparing the solutions with the exact solution for harmonic wave propagations. A special formulation for laminates with midplane symmetry is also presented and discussed. It is found that the effect of the local shear deformation depends highly on the transverse shear rigidities of the constituent layers.