Thermal Post-buckling of Composite Plates Subjected to Uniform Thermal Loading using Finite Element Method

Abstract

The non-linear buckling of laminated plates exposed to evenly increase in temperature has been investigated numerically. Applying the Newton-Raphson scheme via the total Lagrangian approach, the post-bifurcation paths were determined. Initially, the governing equation based on finite element method was developed applying the Mindlin’s model for plates with moderate strains and the Hamilton principle. The model was solved using computer program developed within FORTRAN environment and validated with past results. Several factors that influence the non-linear thermal instability behaviour of the plates were investigated on the plate with anti-symmetric and angle ply configuration. The influences of these parameters were found to be substantial. The investigation will thus be useful in applications such as automotive and aerospace vehicles..