Dynamic behavior of folded composite plates analyzed by the third order plate theory

This study investigates the dynamic behavior of multiply-folded composite laminates analyzed the high order plate theory. Using the third order finite element program developed for this study, the effects of folding angles and ply orientations on the transient responses for various loading and boundary conditions are studied. The numerical results obtained are in good agreement with those reported by other investigators. Furthermore, the new results reported in this paper show the interactions between folding angels and layup sequences. Key observation points are discussed and a brief design guideline is given. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.