On the Thermomechanical Behavior of Laminated Composite Plates using different Micromechanical-based Models for Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTE)

In this paper, the influence of the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) on the thermal stress analysis of laminated composite plates is explored. By introducing the undetermined integral terms in the displacement field, a new simple and efficient higher-order shear deformation theory is formulated for the thermo-mechanical behavior of thick laminated composite plates. This formulation aims to reduce the number of generated unknowns. Typically, a reduced order of the governing partial differential equations is expressed using the principle of virtual displacements. By using Navier’s technique, closed-form solutions are derived for laminated composite plates under thermal and/or mechanical loading. Unfortunately, several traditional research investigations significantly depend on the rule of the mixture to determine reliable CTE for composites. This paper offers and examines a variety of analytical micromechanics-based models for estimating CTE in laminated composite materials, incorporating into consideration different considerations. The obtained results are compared to those given by other alternative plate theories, and the efficiency and accuracy of the present theory are demonstrated for the thermomechanical behavior of laminated composite plates. This study reviews and applies several micromechanics-based models, contrary to previous investigations. Laminated composite plates could delaminate or crack due to the matrix material's longitudinal CTE, affecting fiber volume fraction and stacking sequence. Micromechanics-based approaches are important when arbitrary thermo-mechanical characteristics can generate inaccuracies. Interestingly, micromechanics-based models can estimate effective CTE. Schapery, Chamberlain, and Chamis provide models with identical longitudinal CTE. For increasing fiber volume fractions, Chamberlain's model is more sensitive to increasing fiber volume fractions. Mechanical stress changes laminated plate behavior more than thermal loading. Although all presented micromechanical-based models have simplified representations, this research attempts to provide a standard for future investigations. The use of detailed micromechanical-based models stimulates further progress in understanding and utilizing complex composite plates.