A new thermal theory and its use in thermo-mechanical analysis of laminated composites and sandwich panels

A new thermal lamination theory and its associated finite element model are presented for analysis of heat transfer in laminated composite structures. The form of the present theory closely resembles that of recent zig-zag sublarninate structural laminate theories. The through-thickness distribution of temperature is assumed to vary linearly within each ply, and continuity of transverse flux at ply interfaces is enforced analytically. This theory lends itself well to development of efficient finite element models. Non-linear capabilities are implemented in the model to solve heat conduction problems in the presence of material non-linearity.; Combining the presented thermal theory with a zig-zag structural theory a 3D finite element model for thermal stress analysis of composite laminates has been realized. The novel features of the formulation allow accurate results in predicting the distribution of temperatures, displacements and stresses in laminated plates wherein the plies have dissimilar thermal and/or structural properties. Both linear and nonlinear numerical results are presented.