Analytical solution of a stiffened orthotropic plate using alternative displacement potential approach

Abstract

Analytical solution of elastic fields of a stiffened composite plate subjected to axial tension and pure bending is obtained using alternative displacement potential approach. In this approach, the problem is formulated in terms of a single potential function, defined in terms of the displacement components, which satisfies a single differential equation of equilibrium. All the parameters of the elastic field are expressed into algebraic equations using Fourier series. Assuming a trigonometric function as the displacement potential solution to the present problem, the mixed-boundary conditions at the stiffened edges are automatically satisfied. The resulting states of stress and displacement in the composite plate due to axial tension and pure bending are discussed in details. The effect of fibre orientation on the elastic field is also investigated.