Geometrically nonlinear theory of multilayered plates with interlayer slips

The formulation of a geometrically nonlinear theory of anisotropic multilayered plates of general layups featuring interlayer slips is discussed. The theory rests on a displacement field, which accounts for an arbitrary distribution of the tangential displacements through the laminate thickness, fulfills a priori the static continuity conditions of tangential stresses at the layer interfaces, and allows for jumps in the tangential displacements so as to provide the possibility of incorporating effects of interfacial imperfection. For the interlayer displacement jump, a linear shear slip law is postulated. No a priori assumption is made on the type and order of the expansion in the thicknesswise direction of the tangential displacements. The pertinent equations of motion and consistent boundary conditions are derived by means of the dynamic version of the principle of virtual work. These are given in terms of force and moment stress resultants and in terms of generalized displacements. The generalization achieved by the proposed approach is shown by deriving, as particular cases, the recently proposed first-order and third-order models for laminated plates featuring interlayer slips.