The finite difference method based on inteqration along the bicharacteristics is the suitable method for the stress wave propagation. The advantage of this method is attributed to the fact that the characteristic surface coincides with wave front. In this paper, by introducing a laminated composite model and the finite difference method based on integration along the bicharacteristics, propagation of the stress waves in a nonhomogeneous plate is approximately analyzed. The material properties in the plate change continuously in the thickness direction. Numerical calculations are carried out for nonhomogeneous plates composed of alumina and aluminum alloy. From numerical results, it is found that impact damage resistance of the nonhomogeneous plate is improved by controlling the distribution of the components.