Two-dimensional orthotropic plate problems in a thermal environment: Refined crack modelling

Three two-dimensional (2D) refined models are devised for the analysis of orthotropic thin plates with part-through surface and internal cracks under in-plane forces due to temperature differences. The refined models are used to formulate the governing equations for cracked orthotropic thin plates in a thermal environment. Subsequently, the refined models and their ensuing modified forms can be directly applied to all-over and finite-length cracks, respectively. Using an interface-fitted numerical scheme (i.e., matched interface and boundary technique), the resulting equations of motion for the buckling and free vibration of cracked orthotropic thin plates are solved. The effects of various crack types and dimensions on the critical buckling temperatures and vibration frequencies of orthotropic thin plates are investigated. The present models are also validated by comparing their numerical results with the line-spring model and three-dimensional finite-element solutions. Illustrative examples, including boron fiber/epoxy and glass-fibre-reinforced composite materials, are considered to show the superiority of the proposed models over the conventional one, especially in terms of understanding the effect of in-plane forces arising from temperature differences at the cracked location.