Estimation of transverse/interlaminar stresses in laminated composites – a selective review and survey of current developments

A review is made on the different methods used for the estimation of transverse/interlaminar stresses in laminated composite plates and shells. Both analytical and numerical methods are considered. In numerical methods while the emphasis is given on finite element methods, other methods like the finite difference method is also briefly discussed. Aspects considered are: effects of variation in geometric and material parameters, transverse shear and normal deformation, interface stress continuity and the interfacial bonding on the accuracy of prediction of transverse/interlaminar stresses. Finally some general conclusions are presented along with future directions of research on the analysis of multilayered composite plates and shells for free-edge effects.