Buckling analysis of a rectangular composite plate with different cutout shapes subjected to various linearly varying in-planeloadings

In this study, the buckling behavior of laminated composite plates with and without cutouts subjected to in-plane loading has been investigated. The composite plate with different cutout shapes is subjected to various types of in-plane compressive loads. A numerical study using finite element method (FEM) has been carried out to study the effect of various cutout shapes including circular, rectangular and combination of these two types of cutout shapes. Furthermore, the effects of plate aspect ratio, plate length/thickness (a/t), ply orientation and boundary conditions on the buckling behavior of laminated rectangular composite plates are all considered in the analysis. In order to have a basic reference in our study two analytical solutions based on CLT and FSDTmethods are also have been used to predict the buckling behavior of laminated composite plates without cutouts. An experimental method has been used to investigate the behavior of buckling loads of the composite rectangular composite plates with and without cutouts. Finally, the outcome results of the FE and experimental methods are compared.