Abstract

The buckled wave length and the critical in‐plane bending moment of laminated long composite strips of cord‐reinforced rubber sheets on an elastic foundation is analyzed by Galerkin's method, with consideration of interlaminar shear deformation. An approximate formula for the wave length is given in terms of cord angle, elastic moduli of the constituent rubber and steel cord, and several structural dimensions. The calculated wave length for a 165SR13 automobile tire with steel breakers (belts) was very close to experimental results. An additional study was then conducted on the post‐buckling behavior of a laminated biased composite beam on an elastic foundation. This beam is subjected to axial compression. The calculated relationship between the buckled wave rise and the compressive membrane force also agreed well with experimental results.