Optimal design of symmetrically laminated plates for maximum buckling temperature

The optimal designs of laminated plates subject to nonuniform temperature distributions are given for maximum buckling temperature. The method of solution involves the finite element method based on Mindlin plate theory and numerical optimization. A computational approach is developed that involves successive stages of solution for temperature distribution, buckling temperature, and optimal fiber angle. Three different temperature loadings are considered and various combinations of simply supported and clamped boundary conditions are studied. The effect of plate aspect ratio on the optimal fiber angle and the maximum buckling temperature is investigated. The influence of bending-twisting coupling on the optimum design is studied by considering plates with an increasing number of layers.