Application of a mixed variational higher order plate theory towards understanding the deformation behavior of hybrid laminates

Hybrid laminates containing an elastomer layer in addition to fiber reinforced polymer as well as metal layers have been found beneficial in compensating issues frequently found with traditional fiber metal laminates. Commonly used equivalent single-layer shell and plate theories, however, are unable to account for the strong heterogeneous stiffness distribution of the constituents within the laminate. Furthermore, the transverse shear and normal deformations in the elastomer layer are expected to significantly influence the deformation of the neighboring laminae. An accurate depiction of these transverse stresses requires a multi-layer shell theory as opposed to commonly used single-layer formulations. Hence, a higher order mixed variational plate theory is applied in order to study and predict the mechanical behavior of such laminates, especially on a structural level where the computational effort forbids the use of a three dimensional continuum formulation.