Geometrically non-linear elastic model for a thin composite layer with wavy surfaces.

The geometrically non-linear elastic thin composite layer model is developed through the application of the modified asymptotic homogenization method. The set of local unit cell problems and the analytical formulae for the effective stiffness moduli of the non-linear homogenized plate accounting the higher order terms of the asymptotic expansions are derived. They make it possible to gain useful insight into the manner in which the geometrical and mechanical properties of the individual constituents affect the elastic properties of the composite layer with wavy surfaces. It is shown that in the limiting case of a homogeneous layer of constant thickness the derived asymptotic homogenization model converges to the geometrically non-linear mean-flexure plate theory. And the obtained expressions for the mid-surface strains converge to von Kármán's formulae. The derived non-linear homogenization model is illustrated by an example of a laminated plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]