Assessment of Inverse Hyperbolic Zigzag Theory for Hygro-Thermomechanical Analysis of Laminated Composite and Sandwich Plates

Abstract

In the present work, the hygro-thermomechanical response on the static characteristics of symmetric and antisymmetric laminated composite and sandwich plates is obtained using the recently developed inverse hyperbolic zigzag theory (IHZZT). The framework of IHZZT inculcates the shear strain shape function assuming a nonlinear distribution of transverse shear stresses. It satisfies the necessary conditions of interlaminar stress continuity at the layer interfaces as well as the condition of zero transverse shear stresses at the top and bottom surfaces of the plates. The theory has seven unknown field variables, which are layer-independent. The displacement-based finite-element approach is employed, using the eight-noded isoparametric serendipity element, accounting for the C0 continuity. A number of numerical examples are solved considering the effect of temperature, moisture concentration, span-thickness ratio, aspect ratio, boundary conditions, loading conditions, and variations in the number of layers. The results obtained in terms of deflections and stresses are validated with the exact results and results available in the existing literature. A few new results are produced here to establish a benchmark study for future research.