Three-dimensional solutions for transversally isotropic composite plates

By adopting Kane and Mindlin's assumption that the through-the-thickness extensional strain is uniform through the plate thickness, a generalised plane-strain theory is developed for transversely isotropic plates. The three-dimensional governing equations are successfully reduced to two coupled equations in the two-dimensional space. With the new theory. explicit solutions of the three-dimensional stresses, especially the through-the-thickness component. around a circular hole and a circular inclusion are derived. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.