Thermal scale effect analysis of enhanced Reddy’s laminated composite based on new modified couple stress theory

Based on new modified couple stress theory, a model of thermal scale effect was proposed for the laminated composite plates of enhanced Reddy theory. The model contained only one materials length parameter \ell , and the rotation variable was introduced through thickness direction for the first time. The equilibrium equations for the model were presented from the principle of virtual work, and displacements and stresses of micro-laminated composite/sandwich plates were analyzed by using Navier’s method under thermal loading. Numerical results show that the model can capture the thermal scale effect of plates well. As the material length parameter increases, the scale effects of plates are enhanced. Meanwhile, the scale effects are weakened with increasing of span-thickness ratio of plates, but there is a decline in the weakening extend.