Exploring the nonlinear response of cracked variable stiffness composite plates using plate decomposition method

This article examines the impact of crack characteristics such as length and position and also layup and boundary conditions on the nonlinear and post-buckling behavior of relatively thick variable stiffness composite plates. The Ritz method utilizes Legendre polynomials to approximate the displacements. The bending behavior of the plates is described using the first-order shear deformation theory of plates and von Karman assumptions. To model the crack, the entire plate domain is divided into six plate elements using the plate decomposition technique. Interface continuity between the plate elements is ensured using the penalty technique. The total potential energy of the plate is determined by summing the potential energies of the plate elements and the penalty value. To validate the results and assess convergence, ABAQUS software is utilized for all the findings presented in this article.