Finite element analysis of shear deformable laminated composite plates

A shear deformable finite element is developed for the analysis of thick laminated composite plates. The element is used to solve a variety of problems on deflection, stress distribution, natural frequency and buckling of laminated composite plates. The effect of material properties, plate aspect ratio, length-to-thickness ratio, number of layers and lamination angle on the mechanical behaviors of laminated composite plates are investigated.