Analytical model for laminated-glass plate

This paper presents an analytical model of laminated-glass plate (two external glass plies and a polymeric interlayer). Mechanical behavior is described by a system of three exact and explicit equations. The equations are solved for the simply-supported rectangular plate, under lateral uniformly distributed static loading. However, the solution for other restraints, shapes, and loads can be obtained without altering the model, but simply by adjusting the mathematical form of the functions which the equations are solved by. The model represents a tool for design and assessment. Since it is exact, the model allows for the checking and refining of finite element models and semi-empirical formulas. Since it is both analytical and explicit, the model allows one to gain a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of laminated glass plate. The model can also be applied to laminated plates in general, i.e., sandwich structures (thick skin sandwiched by thin core, as well as thin skin sandwiched by thick core provided that this thick core is relatively soft).