Exact Analysis of Stress Fields in Composite Laminates under Extension

Exact analysis of displacements and stresses in 2-D orthotopic laminates under extension is conducted. On the basis of the Hamiltonian state space approach and the transfer matrix method, a complete solution, in the context of generalized strain, which exactly satisfies the state space equation, the traction-free BC on the top and bottom surfaces of the rectangular section, the interfacial continuity conditions in multi-layered laminates, and the end conditions on free edges, is obtained by combing the eigensolutions and the particular solution. Evaluating of the stresses in the boundary layer for verification shows that the stress decay in laminates under uniform extension may be slow and the edge effects may be pronounced.