Abstract
Deflection of simply supported laminated composite plate under transverse load is found out by semi-analytical method (Classical Lamination Theory) and the results are compared with Finite element method using FEA software ANSYS. The equations developed by classical lamination theory for symmetric angle ply and cross ply laminated plate are solved by Navier and Rayleigh-Ritz method. The efficiency of Navier and Rayleigh-Ritz method in solving the problems of symmetric angle ply and cross ply laminated plate are investigated by comparing their results with ANSYS. Percentage error of the results from finite element method with Navier and Rayleigh-Ritz methods are studied and compared. The model is extended to study the effect of orientation angle, number of lamina and length to thickness ratio on the deflection of simply supported composite plates for symmetric angle ply plates of stacking sequence (orientation angle) of [+θ/− θ]s . From the discussion, it is found that the percentage error depends on the variables: number of lamina, thickness of each lamina, orientation angle and mesh size. The significance of these variables in reducing the percentage error is studied by statistical tool: ANOVA and the relationship between these variables are established by regression equation. Statistical analysis is conducted by testing their significance at the 5% significance level. The comparative study and analysis of the percentage errors of the semi-analytical methods with finite element methods in solving the problem of laminated composite plates is essential to study the degree of approximation in the results.