The state-space method is adapted to obtain three dimensional exact solutions
for the static and damped dynamic behaviors of simply supported general
laminates. The state-space method is written in a general form that permits to
handle both cross-ply and antisymmetric angle-ply laminates. This general form
also permits to obtain exact solutions for general laminates, albeit with some
constraints. For the general case and for the static behavior, either an
additive term is added to the load to simulate simply supported boundary
conditions, or the plate bends in a particular way. For the dynamic behavior,
the general case leads to pairs of natural frequencies for each order, with
associated mode shapes. Finite element simulations have been performed to
validate most of the results presented in this study. As the boundary
conditions needed for the general case are not so straightforward, a specific
discussion has been added. It is shown that these boundary conditions also work
for the two aforementioned laminate classes. The damped harmonic response of a
non symmetrical isotropic sandwich is studied for different frequencies around
the fundamental frequency. The static and undamped dynamic behaviors of the
[-15/15], [0/30/0] and [-10/0/40] laminates are studied for various
length-to-thickness ratios