Buckling analysis of laminated composite plates [(θ/-θ)] containing an elliptical notch

In this study, a buckling analysis was performed on square plates made of composite material with and without elliptical notch using the finite element method. The boron/epoxy laminated plates were asymmetrically orderly arranged into the following way [(theta/-theta)]. The resistance to buckling of the laminated plates subjected to mono-axial compression is highlighted according to the fiber orientations, the degree of anisotropy, size and the orientation of the notch. Results show that the minimum buckling load obtained corresponds to the largest ratio a/b = 1 (circular notch), while maximum buckling loads correspond to the smallest ratio of the geometric defect alb. More the size of the geometric defect is important less the buckling load will be. Thus, the amplification factor N* grows with the increase of the ply thickness. When theta = 0 degrees and the angle of orientation of fibers is theta = 0 degrees, N* is of the order of 5 and doubles when theta = 90 degrees. While for phi = 90 degrees, the maximum amplification is of the order of 4% for theta = 45 corresponding to the minimum value of the first case where theta = 0 degrees and theta = 0 degrees. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.