In this paper, a refined simple first-order shear deformation theory is presented for buckling analysis of transversely isotropic and laminated composite plates. This theory accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. The principal of virtual work is used for deriving governing equations and boundary conditions of RFSDT. The Navier type solution is presented for this analysis of simply supported rectangular plate subjected to uniaxial and biaxial compression. The buckling analysis is carried out for different aspect ratio, number of layers and stacking sequence. The results obtained are compared with that of the classical plate theory and exact three-dimensional elasticity theory. This comparison shows excellent agreement in present results.

Buckling analysis, Shear deformation, transversely isotropic rectangular plate, laminated composite rectangular plate