A refined quasi-3D theory for stability and dynamic investigation of cross-ply laminated composite plates on Winkler-Pasternak foundation

The current paper discusses the dynamic and stability responses of cross-ply composite laminated plates by employing a refined quasi-3D trigonometric shear deformation theory. The proposed theory takes into consideration shear deformation and thickness stretching by a trigonometric variation of in-plane and transverse displacements through the plate thickness and assures the vanished shear stresses conditions on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate. The strong point of the new formulation is that the displacements field contains only 4 unknowns, which is less than the other shear deformation theories. In addition, the present model considers the thickness extension effects (εz≠0). The presence of the Winkler-Pasternak elastic base is included in the mathematical formulation. The Hamilton’s principle is utilized in order to derive the four differentials’ equations of motion, which are solved via Navier’s technique of simply supported structures. The accuracy of the present 3-D theory is demonstrated by comparing fundamental frequencies and critical buckling loads numerical results with those provided using other models available in the open literature.