Nonlinear Oscillations of Laminated, Anisotropic, Rectangular Plates

A finite-element analysis of the equations governing the large-amplitude, free, flexural oscillations of laminated, anisotropic, rectangular plates is presented. The equations account for transverse shear strains as well as large rotations. Numerical results of nonlinear fundamental frequencies are presented for rectangular plates of both angle-ply and cross-ply constructions. The effects of amplitude, boundary conditions, transverse shear, aspect ratio, orientation of layers, and materials anisotrophy on natural frequencies are investigated. The present finite element results agree with other approximate solutions available in the literature.