Author(s)

M. Walker, S. Adali, & V.E. Verijen

Abstract

Optimal design of laminated composite plates for maximum buckling load subject to in-plane restraints using the FEM M. Walker," S. Adali,& V.E. VerijenW ^ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technikon Natal, Durban, South Africa ** Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa ^ Institute of Advanced Studies, Technikon Natal, Durban, South Africa ABSTRACT Optimal buckling designs of symmetrically laminated rectangular plates are presented, taking the effect of in-plane restraints along the unloaded edges into account. Restraints give rise to Poisson's effect which leads to lower buckling loads, and may cause premature instability. Moreover, the laminate behav- ior with respect to fiber orientations changes significantly in the presence of Poisson's effect as compared to that of a laminate with this effect neglected. This change in behavior has significant implications for design optimisation as the optimal values of design variables with

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