Essentially, you are dealing with multi-layered plate and/or shell elements. Mathematically, it means that the compliance matrix (the matrix of elastic constants) is formed by specific algorithms, more complex than those involved in modeling of homogeneous isotropic materials. The stress distribution over the cross-section of such material would also be rather non-trivial. You might want to read some books written by Professor J.N.Reddy; they are devoted to modeling of composite materials, for example " Practical Analysis of Laminated Composite Structures" or "Finite Element Analysis of Composite Laminates". The following webpage might also be a useful introduction into the subject from the purely mechanical point of view:
