Generalized plate model for highly contrasted laminates

This paper deals with highly contrasted stratified laminates. The effective plate behavior is derived from the 3D constitutive law of the materials combined with an asymptotic expansion formulation and an appropriate scaling the stiffness contrast. This method enables to justify the a priori assumptions used in the previous approaches. The different regimes of behavior are clearly specified, according to the mechanical and geometrical parameters of the layers, and to the loading. The method provides a synthetic bi-torsor representation that facilitates the understanding of the coupling between the shear and bending mechanisms. Applications to laminated glass and hard skin sandwich panels are presented. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.