Analysis of symmetric cross-ply laminated elastic plates using a higher-order theory. I - Stress and displacement

A simple theory for bending of composite anisotropic plates that are laminated symmetrically about their mid-plane is presented. This theory incorporates transverse shear deformation and transverse normal stress as well as the higher-order effects and fulfills the static conditions on the external boundary planes. Further on, by using Levy-type solutions considered in conjunction with the state space concept, the state of stress and displacement of rectangular plates for a variety of edge conditions is determined and the results are compared to their first-order shear deformation and classical counterparts, obtained by using the same state-space technique.