Non-linear bending analysis of laminated sector plates using Generalized Differential Quadrature

Non-linear static analysis of laminated sector plates with any combination of clamped, simply supported and free edges is presented using Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method. Particular interest of this study is large deformation of asymmetric sector plates with free edges. Based on the first-order shear deformation theory and von Karman type non-linearity, the governing system of equations include a system of 13 partial differential equations (PDEs) in terms of unknown displacements, forces and moments. Successive application of the GDQ technique to the governing equations resulted in a system of non-linear algebraic equations. The Newton-Raphson iterative scheme is then employed to solve the system of non-linear equations. Illustrative examples are presented to demonstrate accuracy and rapid convergences of the method with small number of grid points. Predictions of the presented method show very good agreement with other numerical studies available in the literature. Further results for asymmetric laminated sector plates with free edges are also presented for future references. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.