Modeling the laminated carbon fiber reinforced shape memory polymer composites by using a refined plate theory

Laminated carbon fiber reinforced shape memory polymer composites (CFRSMPCs) have the advantages of simple structures and flexible properties in achieving a high loading capacity and novel shape memory effects. Because the mechanical properties of the laminated CFRSMPCs decrease rapidly during the process of carbon fiber failure, it should be avoided in application. To address this issue, modeling approach for the laminated CFRSMPCs is proposed by using a refined sinusoidal shear deformation plate theory (RPT) together with the simplified constitutive model of the CFRSMPCs, for the first time. Because the carbon fiber is liable to buckle under compression in the soft SMP matrix, the buckling behavior is studied here. For comparison, the pre-buckling loading capacities of the simply supported plates with different components are simulated. Furthermore, the effect of raising fiber volume fraction or adding layers on the loading capacity is studied. Therefore, this study provides useful guidance for reasonable design of laminated CFRSMPCs.