A two variable refined plate theory for laminated composite plates

A two variable refined plate theory of laminated composite plates is developed in this paper. The theory accounts for parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factor. Equations of motion are derived from the Hamilton’s principle. The closed-form solutions of antisymmetric cross-ply and angleply laminates are obtained using Navier solution. Numerical results of present theory are compared with three-dimensional elasticity solutions and results of the first-order and the other higher-order theories reported in the literature. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the static bending and buckling behaviors of laminated composite plates.