Stability and vibration analysis of composite plates using spline finite strips with higher-order shear deformation

In the present study, a spline finite strip with higher-order shear deformation is formulated for the stability and free vibration analysis of composite plates. The analysis is conducted based on Reddy's third-order shear deformation theory, Touratier's "Sine" model, Afaq's exponential model and Cho's higher-order zigzag laminate theory. Consequently, the shear correction coefficients are not required in the analysis, and an improved accuracy for thick laminates is achieved. The numerical results, based on different shear deformation theories, are presented in comparison with the three-dimensional elasticity solutions. The effects of length-to-thickness ratio, fibre orientation, and boundary conditions on the critical buckling loads and natural frequencies are investigated through numerical examples.