A REFINED FINITE STRIP METHOD USING HIGHER-ORDER PLATE-THEORY

The higher-order plate theory is adopted in the finite strip method to analyse orthotropic laminated plates in this paper. Several examples with the existing elasticity solutions are illustrated to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the present formulation. Although fewer degrees of freedom are required, the present model yields the same or even better displacement and flexural stress results than the higher-order plate element. The through-thickness distribution of transverse shear stress is also properly predicted through the stress equilibrium equation.