Laminates based on isotropic plies

Abstract

The discussion of the behaviour of plates under in-plane or bending loads has so far focused on a single sheet of an isotropic linear elastic material, or a single unidirectional ply. Before we discuss the similar behaviour for a laminate based on a bonded stack of unidirectional plies orientated at different angles to a reference direction, it will be helpful to examine the mechanics for laminates based on a bonded stack of isotropic linear elastic plies. This will provide the helpful stepping stone of enabling the reader to appreciate the essential concepts of laminates before tackling the more complicated effects of varying the directionality through the thickness.