Effect of aspect ratio on transverse displacements for orthotropic and two layer laminated plates subjected to non-linear thermal loads and mechanical loads

The transverse displacements of orthotropic and antisymmetric two layer cross-ply laminated plates subjected to non-linear thermal load in combination with transverse mechanical load is presented using trigonometric shear deformation theory for various aspect ratios. The inplane displacement field uses sinusoidal function in terms of thickness co-ordinate to include the shear deformation effect. The theory satisfies the shear stress free boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. The present theory obviates the need of shear correction factor. Governing equations and boundary conditions of the theory are obtained using the principle of virtual work. The results of present theory are compared with those of classical plate theory, first order shear deformation theory and higher order shear deformation theory.