In the ABD matrix, which component corresponds to bending stiffness?

In the ABD matrix, which component corresponds to bending stiffness?

• A. D
• B. A
• C. B
• D. C

Answer: (A)

In classical laminate theory, the ABD matrix links mid-plane strains and curvatures to in-plane forces and bending moments. The part that handles bending stiffness is the one that maps curvature to bending moments, i.e., the D block. It comes from integrating the transformed stiffness through the thickness weighted by z^2, so it specifically quantifies how resistant the laminate is to bending. The A block governs in-plane (extensional) stiffness, and the B blocks capture coupling between membrane and bending. Therefore, bending stiffness is represented by the D component.

In classical laminate theory, the ABD matrix links mid-plane strains and curvatures to in-plane forces and bending moments. The part that handles bending stiffness is the one that maps curvature to bending moments, i.e., the D block. It comes from integrating the transformed stiffness through the thickness weighted by z^2, so it specifically quantifies how resistant the laminate is to bending. The A block governs in-plane (extensional) stiffness, and the B blocks capture coupling between membrane and bending. Therefore, bending stiffness is represented by the D component.