Free-edge stresses in general cross-ply laminates

Within elasticity theory, the reduced form of a displacement eld is obtained for general cross-ply composite laminates subjected to a bending moment. The rstorder shear deformation theory of plates and Reddyʹs layerwise theory are then utilized to determine the global deformation parameters and the local deformation parameters appearing in the displacement elds, respectively. For a special set of boundary conditions an elasticity solution is developed to verify the validity and accuracy of the layerwise theory. Finally, various numerical results are presented within the layerwise theory for edge-eect problems of several cross-ply laminates under the bending moment. The results indicate high stress gradients of interlaminar stress near the edges of laminates.