Mechanical response of thick laminated beams and plates subject to out-of-plane loading

The use of simplified elasticity solutions to determine the mechanical response of thick laminated beams and plates subject to out-of-plane loading is demonstrated. Excellent results were obtained which compare favorably with theoretical, numerical and experimental analyses from other sources. The most important characteristic of the solution methodology presented is that it combines great mathematical precision with simplicity. This symbiosis has been needed for design with advanced composite materials.