Buckling analysis of laminated composite plates with variable fibre orientation angle

Laminated composite plates are widely used in many industrial structures because of their lower weight compared to metal. In this paper, a buckling analysis is carried out to investigate the response of variable-angle-laminated composite plate with holes and geometric imperfections subjected to compression loading. The angle variation law of the reference fibre path and the method to generate series of new path are presented. Models of variable orientation laminates with and without central holes are set up by Abaqus. In-plane stress and buckling load of laminates subjected to compression loading are analysed and the effect of central hole is investigated. Results show that maximum in-plane stress of variable-angle laminates is reduced remarkably and buckling load is increased significantly. Meanwhile, the negative influence of central holes on the stress concentration and buckling behaviour is weakened. However, stiffness of laminates with variable fibre orientation is decreased.