Buckling analysis of variable angle tow composite plates with a through-the-width or an embedded rectangular delamination

Variable angle tow (VAT) composite laminates, in which fibre orientation varies spatially in-plane in a continuous fashion yet is piecewise constant through-thickness, have been made possible by advanced automated fibre placement technology. Such designs have shown considerable potential to improve the performance of lightweight composite structures. In the present study, an analytical model is developed to study the buckling behaviour of VAT...