Buckling and postbuckling analyses of laminated anisotropic structures

A review is given of recent advances in two aspects of the numerical simulation of the buckling and postbuckling responses of composite structures. The first aspect is exploiting non‐traditional symmetries exhibited by composite structures; and strategies for reducing the size of the model and the cost of the buckling and postbuckling analyses in the presence of symmetry‐breaking conditions (e.g. asymmetry of the material, geometry, and/or loading). The second aspect pertains to the prediction of onset of local delamination in the postbuckling range and accurate determination of transverse shear stresses in the structure. The accuracy and effectiveness of the strategies developed are demonstrated by means of a numerical example.