The effect of anisotropy on the ultrasound wave generation and propagation in the unidirectional fi- ber-reinforced composite plate has been investigated. A quantitative numerical model for the la- ser-generated ultrasound in the thermoelastic regime was presented by using a finite element method. All factors, such as spatial and time distributions of the incident laser beam, optical penetration, ther- mal diffusivity, and source-receiver distance can be taken into account. Numerical results show that the effect on ultrasound waveform of the size of the laser volume source produces strong bipolar longitu- dinal waves and improves the amplitude and directivity of the longitudinal waves. A fiber-reinforced composite material exhibits isotropic or homogenous behavior for ultrasonic wave propagation per- pendicular to the fiber direction. For ultrasonic propagation along the fiber direction, ultrasonic dis- persion resulting from the inhomogeneous nature of the material affects the laser ultrasonic waveforms. As the dimensions of the laser pulse are increased in space and time, the displacement waveform be- comes broader and its magnitude decreases. The effect of anisotropy on the ultrasound wave generation and propagation in the unidirectional fi- ber-reinforced composite plate has been investigated. A quantitative numerical model for the la- ser-generated ultrasound in the thermoelastic regime was presented by using a finite element method. All factors, such as spatial and time distributions of the incident laser beam, optical penetration, ther-mal diffusivity, and source-receiver distance can be taken into account. Numerical results show that the effect on ultrasound waveform of the size of the laser volume source produces strong bipolar longitu- dinal waves and improves the amplitude and directivity of the longitudinal waves. A fiber-reinforced composite material exhibits isotropic or homogenous behavior for ultrasonic wave propagation per- pendicular to the fiber direction. ultrasonic dis- persion resulting from the inhomogeneous nature of the material affects the laser u As the dimensions of the laser pulses are increased in space and time, the displacement waveform be- comes broader and its magnitude decreases.