Thomas Spycher

ME 412
HW #4
Problem 1
Laminate Properties
Laminate (a)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:

Note:
Laminate (b)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:

Laminate (c)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:
Laminate (d)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:

Laminate (e)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:
Laminate (f)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:

Laminate (g)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:
Laminate (h)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:

Laminate (i)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:
Laminate (j)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:

Laminate (k)

Stiffness Parameters:

Compliance Parameters:
Set 1: (a) and (b) – Symmetrical vs. unsymmetrical

In this case both laminates (a) and (b) have the same A matrix, meaning that they have the same
response to shear. However, Both the B and D matrices are different. In the symmetric laminate, (b), the
B matrix is virtually zero. This means that the laminate will behave in a more desirable way because it
will not bend under normal loading conditions. Laminate (a) on the other hand will bend under loading
because it is not symmetrical. The D matrix also changes when the laminate is symmetrical. For a
symmetrical matrix, the D11, D22, and D33 values increase, however, the D12 value decreases, and the
D13 and D23 values flip from negative to positive.

Set 2: (c) and (d) – Stacking sequence effect

Once again for this case, the extensional shear stiffness matrix, A, remains the same in both cases. In
addition, the torsional bending matrix, D, remains the same. However, the B matrix is greatly affected.
For the (c) laminate, B11, B12, B22, and B33 are double the values of the (d) laminate. But, the B13, and
B23 values are halved. This is due to the fact that the (d) laminate has an angle change of 45 degrees
between each ply, but the (c) laminate has some 90 degree angle changes between ply’s due to the
+45/-45 values.

Set 3: (b) and (e) – double thickness comparison

Doubling the thickness of the laminate has a large effect on each stiffness matrix. Even though the
laminate is doubled, the matrix values are not, and each value changes in different ways.

Set 4: (f), (g), (h), and (i) – Effect of + and – angle

For each of these cases the B matrix is zero. Differences occur in the D and A matrices. The D13 and D23
values change, and there are no longer zeros in the A matrix when all the ply’s are the same because the
laminates are not balanced.

Set 5: (j) and (k) – Quasi-isotropic laminates

Although both laminates are quasi-isotropic, the (j) laminate is symmetrical meaning A13 and A23 are
zero. In addition, the B matrix is virtually zero. This is not the case for the (k) laminate. However, since
both laminates are quasi-isotropic, we can see that A11=A22 and A16=A26. These equal values imply
that these stiffness values are independent from the angle of rotation. However, The B and D matrices
do vary which is why these laminates are not truly isotropic.
Problem 2
Laminate: [45/-45/-45/45]

Note: MATLAB code solves for stresses at the top of a given ply then at the bottom of a given ply. The
values for the x and y stresses between two plies are the same magnitude. If the ply angle is the same
between the two plies, the stresses have different signs. However, if the ply angle flips, then the stress
values have the same sign.

Top of Ply 1:

Top of Ply 2:

Top of Ply 3:

Top of Ply 4:

Bottom of Ply 4:

From this we can see that the stress in the x-direction is the same throughout the laminate. In addition,
the stresses in the y-direction vary but are extremely small throughout the entire lamina.

SEE BELOW FOR MATLAB CODE: