Abstract
An exact mathematical tool to analyze the free vibration and buckling of symmetric cross-ply laminated plates is developed. The procedure, based on a generalized Lévy type solution considered in conjunction with the state space concept, enables one to solve exactly the equations governing the laminated anisotropic plate theory as considered by Reddy [3,4]. Combinations of simply supported, clamped and free boundary conditions are considered. Comparisons with other higher order, first order and classical plate theories are made.