Effect of stacking sequence and number of layers on the buckling behavior of laminated composite plates

In this thesis, the buckling behavior of laminated glass/epoxy composite plates was investigated numerically under various stacking sequences and fiber orientation angles. The study focused on key parameters influencing the structural stability of composite plates, including stacking arrangement (symmetric, antisymmetric, and orthotropic), fiber orientation, and loading conditions (uniaxial and biaxial). A review of the literature highlighted the critical role of stacking design in enhancing mechanical performance and the widespread application of Classical Laminate Plate Theory in such analyses. All simulations were performed using the ANSYS MAPDL finite element platform, with automation facilitated by a custom Python script. While plate geometry, boundary conditions, and material properties were kept constant, stacking configurations and fiber orientations were systematically varied. The critical buckling load was calculated for each configuration, enabling a comparative assessment of their structural responses. The results showed that symmetric stacking generally offered higher buckling resistance than orthotropic arrangements. Antisymmetric sequences demonstrated variable performance depending on the number of layers. Changes in fiber orientation significantly influenced buckling strength, with 45° and 60° angles yielding improved performance. Moreover, the type of loading had a notable impact on buckling behavior; biaxial loading resulted in more balanced yet complex deformation modes. In conclusion, the parametric analysis approach presented in this study provides an efficient and robust method for evaluating the buckling performance of composite plate designs and offers valuable insights for structural engineering applications.