Linear transient analysis of rectangular laminates using spline finite strips

A description is given of the development of a spline finite strip-mode superposition method for predicting the linear transient response of rectangular laminated plates to dynamic loading. The properties of a plate are evaluated in the context of first-order shear deformation theory. The work reported here follows on from, and is complementary to, an earlier finite strip study in which analytical functions were used in representing the longitudinal variations of displacements, rather than the B-spline functions which are used here. A number of applications is detailed, for isotropic plates and for thin and thick laminates, and comparison of results generated using the present approach is made with the results of the earlier finite strip approach and with finite element results.