# Geometrical Influences on the Vibration of Layered Plates

Authors: Saira Javed; F. H. H. Al Mukahal; S. B. A. El Sayed
Journal: Shock and Vibration
 (2021)

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## Abstract

This paper aims to study the influence of different geometric properties and support conditions on the vibration of layered plates of nonuniform thickness under shear deformation theory. The layered plates are supposed to have arbitrarily nonuniform thickness as linear, exponential, and sinusoidal. The spline approximation is used to approximate translational and angular displacement functions. Eigen frequency parameters are calculated by solving eigenvalue problem. The geometrical influences such as number of lay-ups, different ply orientations, each ply consisting of different material, side-to-thickness ratio, and aspect ratio are taken into consideration to examine the frequency variation of plates for two different support conditions.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Plates with nonuniform thickness are extensively used as the aerospace and marine structural components (e.g., turbine disks and aircraft wings) therefore, attracting the attention of contemporary engineers. The plates with nonuniform thickness can help designer to modify resonant frequency, decrease the size and weight, increase the stiffness, and adjust flexural rigidity of the structure. Moreover, variation in weight and thickness effects the survivability and vulnerability issues of the components. Therefore, the frequency examination of plates having nonuniform thickness is significant subject of interest for investigators.Plates with nonuniform thickness are generally difficult to analyze and get the analytical solution. Therefore, some researchers investigated such plates and obtained solution, as the investigations carried by Appl and Byers [1] on plates of linear thickness variation for simply supported plates. Moreover, Plunkett [2] examined linearly tapered rectangular plates. Subsequently, different types of thicknesses were studied such as stepped thickness [3], linearly varying thickness [4, 5], bilinear varying thickness [6, 7], and two-dimensional thickness variation [8].A number of researchers studied composite plates such as Sahoo and Singh [9] who used zigzag model to examine the composite plates. Sharma et al. [10] examined the plates on elastic edge constraints. Guillaumie [11] analyzed symmetric Honeycomb Sandwich panels having composite faces. Le-Anh et al. [12] used the differential algorithm to investigate plate element to examine the static and frequency of folded layered plates. Sandwich panels vibration was investigated using piecewise SDT by Li et al. [13]. Mantari and Granados [14] studied the FG plates using novel FSDT. Moreover, Sandwich functionally graded plates were examined using refined FSDT for their static analysis by Mantari and Granados [15]. A new hyperbolic SDT method by Mahi et al. [16] was used to examine the Sandwich FG and laminated plates. Montemurrol et al. [17] considered the damping behavior of plates using two-level procedure for the global optimization. Dynamic Stiffness technique was used to examine the in-plane vibration of isotropic plates by Nefovska-Danilovic [18]. Curvilinearly stiffened plates were analyzed by Shi et al. [19] for their vibration and buckling analysis using FEM. Ullah et al. [20] characterized the mechanical behavior and damage of carbon fabric–reinforced polymer laminates under bending using finite element model. Arani et al. [21] examined vibration of shell made up of Boron Nitride nanotube reinforced composite. Plastic wrinkling formation for anisotropic laminated sheet was analyzed by Pourmoghadam et al. [22]. Composite pates were studied for assessment of variable separation for finite element method for free-edge boundary conditions (Vidal et al., [23]). Zippo et al. [24] studied Sandwich plates for their active vibration under free-edge boundary condition using control method. Rayleigh-Ritz technique based on shear deformation theory was used to examine transverse vibration of triangular plates [25]. Thi et al. [26] studied the functionally graded composite plates. Zhang et al. [27] analyzed the vibration of orthotropic plates. Uzun et al. [28] examined functionally graded nanobeams using FEM. Bouderba et al. [29] investigated the thermal stability of FG-Sandwich plates using a simple shear deformation theory. Balubaid et al. [30] studied the free vibration of FG nanoscale plate using nonlocal two variables’ integral refined plate theory. Belbachir et al. [31] examined the thermal flexural analysis of antisymmetric crossply laminated plates. Bouderba et al. [32] studied the stability and dynamic analyses of SW-CNT reinforced concrete beam resting on elastic-foundation. A four-unknown refined plate theory for dynamic analysis of FG-sandwich plates under various boundary conditions were examined by Menasria et al. [33]. Allam et al. [34] studied the bending and free vibration of composite plates using refined higher-order shear deformation theory with four unknown variables. Moreover, Belbachir et al. [31] studied thermal flexural analysis of composite plates based on higher-order shear deformation theory. Static analysis of laminated plates was investigated using simple first-order shear deformation theory by Draiche et al. [35]. Thermomechanical analysis of antisymmetric plates was examined using trigonometric refined plate theory by Abualnour et al. [36]. Belbachir et al. [37] studied the bending analysis of laminated plates under nonlinear thermal and mechanical loads. Sahla et al. [38] studied composite soft core Sandwich plates using principle of virtual work. Dastjerdi et al. [39] examined the bending analysis of spherical nanostructures made of functionally graded materials for nonhomogeneous nanostructures. Free vibration of carbon nanotubes were investigated using FSDT and discrete singular convolution method by Civalek, Ö. [40]. Viscoelastic porous functionally graded (FG) nanobeams embedded on visco-Pasternak medium subjected to axially oscillating loading as well as magnetic field were investigated using Kelvin–Voigt model by Jalaei et al. [41]. Civalek et al. [42] used the nonlocal finite element method to examine size-dependent transverse and longitudinal vibrations of embedded carbon and silica carbide nanotubes. Demir et al. [43] used nonlocal discrete models to study torsional and longitudinal frequency and wave response of microtubules. Ebrahimi et al. [44] used the Chebyshev–Ritz method for static stability and vibration analysis of nonlocal microstructure-dependent nanostructures. None of the above mentioned researchers used spline approximation method.The main contribution of the present research is that plates are of nonuniform thickness, and each layer consists of different material and is oriented at different angle. Moreover, spline approximation method is used which was not used by any of abovementioned researcher except author’s work [45–47]. Spline is used to approximate the equations in terms of translational and angular displacement functions. A spline technique is used due to more accuracy than a global high-order approximation (Bickley [48]). Eigenfrequency parameter is calculated by solving eigenvalue problem. The frequency variation of plates is examined for different geometrical influences such as number of layers, different ply orientations, material used, side-to-thickness ratio, and aspect ratio for two different support conditions. Graphs and tables ascertain the results of the present study.


## 2. Mathematical Design

Plate of nonuniform thickness is shown in Figures1(a) and 1(b). It can be seen from the figure that a plate in Cartesian coordinate system x,y and z taken transverse direction to the plate. a and bare the length and width of the plate, respectively. The plate is assumed to have a constant thickness h, and hk is the thickness of the k-th layer.Figure 1
(a, b) Plate of variable thickness.
(a)(b)


### 2.1. Displacement Field

According to YNS theory [49], the displacement components are considered as follows:(1)u=u0x,y,t+zψxx,y,t,v=v0x,y,t+zψyx,y,t,w=wx,y,t,where u,v, and w are the displacement components in the x,y, and z directions, respectively, u0 and v0 are the in-plane displacements of the middle plane, and ψx and ψy are the shear rotations of any point on the middle surface of the plate. Meanwhile, some authors such as Bourada et al. [32] used an integral first-order shear deformation beam theory, integral Timoshenko beam theory by Matouk et al. [50], and novel integral first-order shear deformation theory by Bousahla et al. [51] in their analysis.


### 2.2. Kinematics Relations

The kinematic relations are as follows:(2)εx=∂u0∂x+z∂ψx∂x,εy=∂v0∂y+z∂ψy∂y,γxy=∂u0∂y+∂v0∂x+z∂ψx∂y+∂ψy∂x,γxz=ψx+∂w∂x,γyz=ψy+∂w∂y.


### 2.3. Constitutive Relations

These are as follows:(3)σxkσykτxykτyzkτxzk=C11kC12kC16k00C12kC22kC26k00C16kC26kC66k00000C44kC45k000C45kC55kεxkεykγxykγyzkγxzk.The transformed constitutive relations of the materials oriented at angleθwith the x-axis are(4)σxkσykτxykτyzkτxzk=Q11kQ12kQ16k00Q12kQ22kQ26k00Q16kQ26kQ66k00000Q44kQ45k000Q45kQ55kεxkεykγxykγyzkγxzk,where Qijk, as functions of Cijk and θ, are fully furnished in Viswanathan et al. [52].


### 2.4. Equations of Motion

The equations of motion are(5)Nx,x+Nxy,x=P∂2u∂t2,Nxy,x+Ny,y=P∂2v∂t2,Qx,x+Qy,y=P∂2w∂t2,Mx,x+Mxy,y−Qx=I∂2ψx∂t2,Mxy,x+My,y−Qy=I∂2ψy∂t2.HereP and I are the normal and rotary inertia coefficients defined by(6)P,I=∫ρk1,z2dz.The stress resultants and stress couples are given by(7)Nx,Ny,Nxy,Qx,Qy=∫zσx,σy,τxy,τxz,τyzdz,Mx,My,Mxy=∫zσx,σy,τxyzdz.Using (2) and (4) into (7), one can obtain the equations of stress-resultants and displacements in the form(8)NxNyNxyMxMyMxy=A11A12A16B11B12B16A12A22A26B12B22B26A16A26A66B16B26B66B11B12B16D11D12D16B12B22B26D12D22D26B16B26B66D16D26D66∂u0∂x∂v0∂y∂u0∂y+∂v0∂x∂ψx∂x∂ψy∂y∂ψx∂y+∂ψy∂x,QyQx=A44A45A45A55ψy+∂w∂yψx+∂w∂x,in which Aij, Bij, and Dij are the laminate stiffnesses, K (Pai and Schulz, [53]) is the shear correction coefficient, and zk−1 and zk are the boundaries of the k-th layer.The thickness of thek-th layer is considered as(9)hkx=h0kgx,where h0kis a constant thickness.In general, the nonuniform thickness of each layer is assumed in the form(10)hx=h0gx,gx=1+Cℓxℓ+Ceexpxℓ+Cssinπxℓ.


### 2.5. Thickness Variation

Case (i):IfCe=Cs=0, then the thickness variation becomes linear. In this case it can easily be shown that Cℓ=1/η−1 , where η is the taper ratio hk0/hk1.Case (ii):IfCℓ=Cs=0, then the excess thickness over uniform thickness varies exponentially.Case (iii):IfCℓ=Ce=0, then the excess thickness varies exponentially.It may be noted that the thickness of any layer at the endX=0h0k for cases (i) and (iii) but is h0k1+Ce for case (ii).Therefore, with the elastic coefficientsAij, Bij, and Dij corresponding to layers of uniform thickness with superscript “c”, one easily finds(11)Aij=Aijcgx,Bij=Bijcgx,Dij=Dijcgx,where(12)Aijc=∑kQ¯ijkzk−zk−1,Bijc=12∑kQ¯ijkzk2−zk−12,Dijc=13∑kQ¯ijkzk3−zk−13,and zk,zk−1 are boundaries of the k-th layer.The displacement componentsu0, v0, w and shear rotations ψxand ψyare assumed and the nondimensional parameters are introduced. The modified equation in matrix is as follows:(13)L11L12L13L14L15L21L22L23L24L25L31L23L33L34L35L41L42L43L44L45L51L52L53L54L55UVΨXΨYW=00000.


### 2.6. Method of Solution

The differential equations in equation (13) contain derivatives of second order in UX,VX,ΨXX,ΨYX,WX. These functions can be approximated by using cubic spline functions, in the range of Xε0,1.The displacement functionsUX, VX, and WXand the rotational functions aΨXX,aΨYX are approximated by splines.The resulting expressions contain5N+5homogeneous system of equations in the 5N+15 spline coefficients.The boundary conditions considered on the edgesx=0 and x=a are as follows:(1)
(C-S): one end is clamped and the other end is simply supportedAtx=0 clamped boundary condition is considered(14)U=V=W=ψx=ψy=0.Atx=a simply supported boundary condition is considered:(15)U=W=ψy=Mx=Nxy=0.(2)
(C-F): one end is clamped and the other end is freeAtx=0 clamped boundary condition is considered:(16)U=V=W=ψx=ψy=0.Atx=a free boundary condition is considered:(17)Nx=Mx=Qx=Nxy=Mxy=0.Each of these cases gives 10 more equations, thus making a total of5N+15 equations, in the same number of unknowns. The resulting field and boundary condition equations may be written in the form(18)Mq=λ2Pq.


## 2.1. Displacement Field

According to YNS theory [49], the displacement components are considered as follows:(1)u=u0x,y,t+zψxx,y,t,v=v0x,y,t+zψyx,y,t,w=wx,y,t,where u,v, and w are the displacement components in the x,y, and z directions, respectively, u0 and v0 are the in-plane displacements of the middle plane, and ψx and ψy are the shear rotations of any point on the middle surface of the plate. Meanwhile, some authors such as Bourada et al. [32] used an integral first-order shear deformation beam theory, integral Timoshenko beam theory by Matouk et al. [50], and novel integral first-order shear deformation theory by Bousahla et al. [51] in their analysis.


## 2.2. Kinematics Relations

The kinematic relations are as follows:(2)εx=∂u0∂x+z∂ψx∂x,εy=∂v0∂y+z∂ψy∂y,γxy=∂u0∂y+∂v0∂x+z∂ψx∂y+∂ψy∂x,γxz=ψx+∂w∂x,γyz=ψy+∂w∂y.


## 2.3. Constitutive Relations

These are as follows:(3)σxkσykτxykτyzkτxzk=C11kC12kC16k00C12kC22kC26k00C16kC26kC66k00000C44kC45k000C45kC55kεxkεykγxykγyzkγxzk.The transformed constitutive relations of the materials oriented at angleθwith the x-axis are(4)σxkσykτxykτyzkτxzk=Q11kQ12kQ16k00Q12kQ22kQ26k00Q16kQ26kQ66k00000Q44kQ45k000Q45kQ55kεxkεykγxykγyzkγxzk,where Qijk, as functions of Cijk and θ, are fully furnished in Viswanathan et al. [52].


## 2.4. Equations of Motion

The equations of motion are(5)Nx,x+Nxy,x=P∂2u∂t2,Nxy,x+Ny,y=P∂2v∂t2,Qx,x+Qy,y=P∂2w∂t2,Mx,x+Mxy,y−Qx=I∂2ψx∂t2,Mxy,x+My,y−Qy=I∂2ψy∂t2.HereP and I are the normal and rotary inertia coefficients defined by(6)P,I=∫ρk1,z2dz.The stress resultants and stress couples are given by(7)Nx,Ny,Nxy,Qx,Qy=∫zσx,σy,τxy,τxz,τyzdz,Mx,My,Mxy=∫zσx,σy,τxyzdz.Using (2) and (4) into (7), one can obtain the equations of stress-resultants and displacements in the form(8)NxNyNxyMxMyMxy=A11A12A16B11B12B16A12A22A26B12B22B26A16A26A66B16B26B66B11B12B16D11D12D16B12B22B26D12D22D26B16B26B66D16D26D66∂u0∂x∂v0∂y∂u0∂y+∂v0∂x∂ψx∂x∂ψy∂y∂ψx∂y+∂ψy∂x,QyQx=A44A45A45A55ψy+∂w∂yψx+∂w∂x,in which Aij, Bij, and Dij are the laminate stiffnesses, K (Pai and Schulz, [53]) is the shear correction coefficient, and zk−1 and zk are the boundaries of the k-th layer.The thickness of thek-th layer is considered as(9)hkx=h0kgx,where h0kis a constant thickness.In general, the nonuniform thickness of each layer is assumed in the form(10)hx=h0gx,gx=1+Cℓxℓ+Ceexpxℓ+Cssinπxℓ.


## 2.5. Thickness Variation

Case (i):IfCe=Cs=0, then the thickness variation becomes linear. In this case it can easily be shown that Cℓ=1/η−1 , where η is the taper ratio hk0/hk1.Case (ii):IfCℓ=Cs=0, then the excess thickness over uniform thickness varies exponentially.Case (iii):IfCℓ=Ce=0, then the excess thickness varies exponentially.It may be noted that the thickness of any layer at the endX=0h0k for cases (i) and (iii) but is h0k1+Ce for case (ii).Therefore, with the elastic coefficientsAij, Bij, and Dij corresponding to layers of uniform thickness with superscript “c”, one easily finds(11)Aij=Aijcgx,Bij=Bijcgx,Dij=Dijcgx,where(12)Aijc=∑kQ¯ijkzk−zk−1,Bijc=12∑kQ¯ijkzk2−zk−12,Dijc=13∑kQ¯ijkzk3−zk−13,and zk,zk−1 are boundaries of the k-th layer.The displacement componentsu0, v0, w and shear rotations ψxand ψyare assumed and the nondimensional parameters are introduced. The modified equation in matrix is as follows:(13)L11L12L13L14L15L21L22L23L24L25L31L23L33L34L35L41L42L43L44L45L51L52L53L54L55UVΨXΨYW=00000.


## 2.6. Method of Solution

The differential equations in equation (13) contain derivatives of second order in UX,VX,ΨXX,ΨYX,WX. These functions can be approximated by using cubic spline functions, in the range of Xε0,1.The displacement functionsUX, VX, and WXand the rotational functions aΨXX,aΨYX are approximated by splines.The resulting expressions contain5N+5homogeneous system of equations in the 5N+15 spline coefficients.The boundary conditions considered on the edgesx=0 and x=a are as follows:(1)
(C-S): one end is clamped and the other end is simply supportedAtx=0 clamped boundary condition is considered(14)U=V=W=ψx=ψy=0.Atx=a simply supported boundary condition is considered:(15)U=W=ψy=Mx=Nxy=0.(2)
(C-F): one end is clamped and the other end is freeAtx=0 clamped boundary condition is considered:(16)U=V=W=ψx=ψy=0.Atx=a free boundary condition is considered:(17)Nx=Mx=Qx=Nxy=Mxy=0.Each of these cases gives 10 more equations, thus making a total of5N+15 equations, in the same number of unknowns. The resulting field and boundary condition equations may be written in the form(18)Mq=λ2Pq.


## 3. Result and Discussion

The vibration of nonuniform layered plates for clamped-simply supported and clamped-free support conditions is analyzed. Layers are composed of two different materials: Kevlar-49/epoxy (KE) and E-glass epoxy (EGE). Material properties of these two materials are given in the following Table1.Table 1
Elastic properties of materials used.
Elastic propertyDensity (×103N−s2/m4)Yong modulus (Ex×1010N/m2)Yong modulus (Ey×1010N/m2)Shear modulus (Gxz×1010N/m2)Shear modulus (Gyz×1010N/m2)Shear modulus (Gxy×1010N/m2)Major Poisson ratio (υxy)EGE14405.5286.192.071.722.070.34AGE255011.7242.754.143.454.140.27Figures2 and 3 are made using Autocad Maya and show the geometry of 2-layered plate with different ply orientation and Figure 3 shows the geometry of 4-layered plate with different ply orientation.Figure 2
2-Layered plate (30°/−30°).Figure 3
4-Layered plate (45°/−60°/60°/−45°).


### 3.1. Comparative Study

Table2 shows the comparative study of the present results with Liew et al. [54] for simply supported plates. Fundamental frequency parameter values agreed very well with values of Liew et al. [54].Table 2
Comparison of fundamental frequency parameter of S-S plates with frequency parameter of Liew et al. [54]λ=ωb2/π2ρt/D for t/b=0.1.
a/bFundamental frequencyλPresent value converted to Liew et al. [54] parameterLiew et al. [54]0.46.39926.47330.63.42013.54640.82.53122.452212.01241.9317


### 3.2. Geometrical Influences and Support Conditions on Frequency Variations

#### 3.2.1. Effect of Various Thickness Variations

(1) Effect of Linear Thickness Variation. The impact of taper ratio on the fundamental frequency parameter is shown in Tables 3 and 4 . Table 3 shows the discrepancy of frequency of 2- and 4-layered antisymmetric angle-ply plates consisting of stacking sequence as 30°/−30°, 45°/−45°, and 60°/−60°having EGE material, whereas four-layered plates have stacking sequence as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°, 45°/−60°/60°/−45°, and 60°/−30°/30°/−60° (KE/EGE/EGE/KE) are considered. The C-S support condition is considered in Table 3, which shows that frequency differs as the taper ratio increases, whereas frequency parameter value is 30°/−30°<45°/−45°<60°/−60°and for four-layered plates, it is45°/−30°/30°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°. In Table 4 the values of the frequency of 2- and 4-layered plates under two different support conditions are shown. It is seen that plates having C-F support condition show lesser frequency value than plates with C-S support condition for both two- and four-layered plates.Table 3
Fundamental frequency parameter value with taper ratio for different stacking sequences.
ηλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°0.50.5156400.6249370.7206190.5641780.6591660.6244510.90.5292320.6350480.7316290.5725290.6671240.6351861.30.5357210.6403010.7372870.5770360.6716020.6405141.70.5425180.6460410.7434390.5820460.6766620.6461962.10.5496680.6523010.7501200.5875830.6823240.652256Table 4
Fundamental frequency parameter value with taper ratio for different support conditions.
ηλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)0.50.6249370.3055860.7206190.3959690.5641780.2593090.6244510.3431510.90.6350480.3278250.7316290.4179310.5725290.2831320.6351860.3652481.30.6403010.3387620.7372870.4288080.5770360.2946370.6405140.3760141.70.6460410.3504240.7434390.4404450.5820460.3067620.6461960.3873912.10.6523010.3628680.7501200.4529010.5875830.3195490.6522560.399403(2) Effect of Exponential Thickness Variation. In Tables 5 and 6 the influence of exponential variation in thickness on the frequency is shown. It is seen from Table 5 that in case of two-layered plates having 30°/−30° stacking sequence depicts the least frequency and 60°/−60°plates show the highest frequency. Moreover, 45°/−30°/30°/−45°plates show the least frequency and 45°/−60°/60°/−45°plates show the highest fundamental frequency value. Table 6 shows that plates with C-S support conditions show higher fundamental frequency value than C-F support conditions.Table 5
Fundamental frequency parameter value with exponential variation in thickness for different stacking sequences.
Ceλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°−0.20.5348930.6396180.7365530.5764460.6710110.639829−0.10.5369420.6413150.7383760.5779160.6724850.64152800.5308270.6363170.7329980.5736100.6681900.6364860.10.5274390.6336410.7301070.5713370.6659560.6337340.20.5348930.6396180.7365530.5764460.6710110.639829Table 6
Fundamental frequency parameter value with exponential variation in thickness for different support conditions.
Ceλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)−0.20.6396180.3373570.7365530.4274080.5764460.2931660.6398290.374635−0.10.6413150.3408440.7383760.4308820.5779160.2968110.6415280.37805200.6363170.3304940.7329980.4205820.5736100.2859530.6364860.3678840.10.6336410.3248390.7301070.4149690.5713370.2799680.6337340.3622960.20.6319780.3212760.7283060.4114390.5699390.2761790.6320040.358766(3) Effect of Sinusoidal Thickness Variation. The influence of sinusoidal variation in thickness on the frequency is shown in Tables 7 and 8 . It is seen from Table 7 that in 2-layered plates frequency value increases with the increase of angle, whereas in four-layered plates 45°/−60°/60°/−45° stacking sequence plates showed the highest frequency value and 45°/−30°/30°/−45° stacking sequence plates showed the lowest frequency value. Table 8 shows that plates with C-S support conditions show higher fundamental frequency value than C-F support conditions.Table 7
Fundamental frequency parameter value with sinusoidal variation in thickness for different stacking sequences.
Csλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°−0.50.5586130.6603930.7587250.5948220.6898030.659919−0.30.5164680.6255130.7212520.5646370.6595850.625085−0.10.5258740.6324290.7287950.5703170.6649630.6324750.10.5359560.6404950.7374960.5772050.6717710.6407090.30.5468070.6497710.7474240.5853380.6800210.6498230.50.5586130.6603930.7587250.5948220.6898030.659919Table 8
Fundamental frequency parameter value with sinusoidal variation in thickness for different support conditions.
Csλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)−0.50.6603930.3786020.7587250.4686940.5948220.3355110.6599190.414392−0.30.6255130.3069160.7212520.3972750.5646370.2607520.6250850.344478−0.10.6324290.3222470.7287950.4124010.5703170.2772130.6324750.3597280.10.6404950.3391620.7374960.4292060.5772050.2950560.6407090.3764060.30.6497710.3578700.7474240.4478940.5853380.3144310.6498230.3945950.50.6603930.3786020.7587250.4686940.5948220.3355110.6599190.414392


#### 3.2.2. Effect of Side-to-Thickness Variation and Support Conditions

The two-layered plates with antisymmetric angle-ply orientation30°/−30°, 45°/−45°, and 60°/−60°having EGE material are considered to examine the influence of side-to-thickness ratio 10≤a/h≤90 on the value of fundamental frequency parameter λin Figures 4(a)–4(c). The C-S support condition is considered. Also, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variationCs=0.4are fixed for Figures 4(a)–4(c), respectively.Figure 4
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates: EGE.
(a)(b)(c)In Figures5(a)–5(c) influence of different stacking sequences of four-layered plates 45°/−30°/30°/−45°, 45°/−60°/60°/−45°, and 60°/−30°/30°/−60° with KE/EGE/EGE/KE material combination on the relationship between side-to-thickness ratio and frequency parameter is presented for the C-S support condition. The aspect ratio a/b=1, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 5(a)–5(c), respectively. The frequency parameter value varies as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°. Moreover, the frequency differs for different thickness variations.Figure 5
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates: KE/EGE/EGE/KE.
(a)(b)(c)The variations in the value of frequency parameter are shown in Figures6(a)–6(c) under C-F support condition. Generally the frequency parameter value decreases as the side-to-thickness ratio increases. Moreover, the frequency value varies by using different ply angles.Figure 6
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates: EGE/EGE.
(a)(b)(c)Four-layered plates with different lamination scheme and material combination as KE/EGE/EGE/KE are considered to investigate the influence of side-to-thickness ratio on the frequency parameter value by fixing aspect ratioa/b=1 for Figures 7(a)–7(c) , respectively, under C-F support condition. The value of side-to-thickness ratio increases when the value of the frequency decreases.Figure 7
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates: KE/EGE/EGE/KE.
(a)(b)(c)The influence of different ply angles and C-S support conditions for 4-layered plates having KE/EGE/EGE/KE material combination is considered to study the variation of the frequency parameter value with respect to side-to-thickness ratio value by fixing aspect ratioa/b=0.4 and taper ratio η=0.75in Figures 8(a)–8(c), respectively. The frequency parameter value is higher for higher modes. The same parameters are considered in Figure 9 for C-F support condition. The results show that C-F support condition significantly lowers the value of the frequency as compared to C-S support condition.Figure 8
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 9
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure10 demonstrates the effect of aspect ratio a/b=0.4,1 on relation of frequency parameter and side-to-thickness ratio for four-layered plates. The frequency parameter value decreases as the aspect ratio increases. Similarly the same trend is seen in Figure 11 and the only difference is the support condition: C-F support condition lowers the frequency.Figure 10
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.Figure 11
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.


#### 3.2.3. Effect of Aspect Ratio

The influence of aspect ratio on the variation of frequency value is studied for 2-layered antisymmetric angle-ply plates in Figure12 for C-S support conditions. The value of side-to-thickness ratio a/h=10, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 12(a)–12(c), respectively. The frequency value increases as the aspect ratio increases. Examining the effect of different ply angles, it is concluded that the frequency increases with the increase of ply angle but the effect of different thickness variations is marginal on the value of the frequency.Figure 12
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 3-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Antisymmetric angle-ply four-layered plates are studied to examine the influence of different ply angles and aspect ratio under C-S boundary conditions in Figure13. The side-to-thickness ratioa/h=10, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 13(a)–13(c), respectively. The frequency increases with the increase of aspect ratio. The value of frequency varies with respect to ply orientation as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°.Figure 13
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Two- and 4-layered plates of different lamination scheme are studied in Figures14 and 15 under C-F support conditions to observe the effect of aspect ratio on the frequency. It is seen that the frequency value increases slowly with the increase of aspect ratio. Further, the lamination angles affect the value of frequency. Also C-F support conditions significantly lower the value of fundamental frequency when compared with C-S conditions.Figure 14
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 15
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figures16 and 17 show the effect of four-layered plates on the frequency under C-S and C-F support conditions. The characteristics pattern of the curves is similar for both graphs. The frequency is higher for higher modes and C-F support conditions significantly lower the value of the frequency.Figure 16
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 17
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)


## 3.1. Comparative Study

Table2 shows the comparative study of the present results with Liew et al. [54] for simply supported plates. Fundamental frequency parameter values agreed very well with values of Liew et al. [54].Table 2
Comparison of fundamental frequency parameter of S-S plates with frequency parameter of Liew et al. [54]λ=ωb2/π2ρt/D for t/b=0.1.
a/bFundamental frequencyλPresent value converted to Liew et al. [54] parameterLiew et al. [54]0.46.39926.47330.63.42013.54640.82.53122.452212.01241.9317


## 3.2. Geometrical Influences and Support Conditions on Frequency Variations

### 3.2.1. Effect of Various Thickness Variations

(1) Effect of Linear Thickness Variation. The impact of taper ratio on the fundamental frequency parameter is shown in Tables 3 and 4 . Table 3 shows the discrepancy of frequency of 2- and 4-layered antisymmetric angle-ply plates consisting of stacking sequence as 30°/−30°, 45°/−45°, and 60°/−60°having EGE material, whereas four-layered plates have stacking sequence as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°, 45°/−60°/60°/−45°, and 60°/−30°/30°/−60° (KE/EGE/EGE/KE) are considered. The C-S support condition is considered in Table 3, which shows that frequency differs as the taper ratio increases, whereas frequency parameter value is 30°/−30°<45°/−45°<60°/−60°and for four-layered plates, it is45°/−30°/30°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°. In Table 4 the values of the frequency of 2- and 4-layered plates under two different support conditions are shown. It is seen that plates having C-F support condition show lesser frequency value than plates with C-S support condition for both two- and four-layered plates.Table 3
Fundamental frequency parameter value with taper ratio for different stacking sequences.
ηλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°0.50.5156400.6249370.7206190.5641780.6591660.6244510.90.5292320.6350480.7316290.5725290.6671240.6351861.30.5357210.6403010.7372870.5770360.6716020.6405141.70.5425180.6460410.7434390.5820460.6766620.6461962.10.5496680.6523010.7501200.5875830.6823240.652256Table 4
Fundamental frequency parameter value with taper ratio for different support conditions.
ηλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)0.50.6249370.3055860.7206190.3959690.5641780.2593090.6244510.3431510.90.6350480.3278250.7316290.4179310.5725290.2831320.6351860.3652481.30.6403010.3387620.7372870.4288080.5770360.2946370.6405140.3760141.70.6460410.3504240.7434390.4404450.5820460.3067620.6461960.3873912.10.6523010.3628680.7501200.4529010.5875830.3195490.6522560.399403(2) Effect of Exponential Thickness Variation. In Tables 5 and 6 the influence of exponential variation in thickness on the frequency is shown. It is seen from Table 5 that in case of two-layered plates having 30°/−30° stacking sequence depicts the least frequency and 60°/−60°plates show the highest frequency. Moreover, 45°/−30°/30°/−45°plates show the least frequency and 45°/−60°/60°/−45°plates show the highest fundamental frequency value. Table 6 shows that plates with C-S support conditions show higher fundamental frequency value than C-F support conditions.Table 5
Fundamental frequency parameter value with exponential variation in thickness for different stacking sequences.
Ceλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°−0.20.5348930.6396180.7365530.5764460.6710110.639829−0.10.5369420.6413150.7383760.5779160.6724850.64152800.5308270.6363170.7329980.5736100.6681900.6364860.10.5274390.6336410.7301070.5713370.6659560.6337340.20.5348930.6396180.7365530.5764460.6710110.639829Table 6
Fundamental frequency parameter value with exponential variation in thickness for different support conditions.
Ceλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)−0.20.6396180.3373570.7365530.4274080.5764460.2931660.6398290.374635−0.10.6413150.3408440.7383760.4308820.5779160.2968110.6415280.37805200.6363170.3304940.7329980.4205820.5736100.2859530.6364860.3678840.10.6336410.3248390.7301070.4149690.5713370.2799680.6337340.3622960.20.6319780.3212760.7283060.4114390.5699390.2761790.6320040.358766(3) Effect of Sinusoidal Thickness Variation. The influence of sinusoidal variation in thickness on the frequency is shown in Tables 7 and 8 . It is seen from Table 7 that in 2-layered plates frequency value increases with the increase of angle, whereas in four-layered plates 45°/−60°/60°/−45° stacking sequence plates showed the highest frequency value and 45°/−30°/30°/−45° stacking sequence plates showed the lowest frequency value. Table 8 shows that plates with C-S support conditions show higher fundamental frequency value than C-F support conditions.Table 7
Fundamental frequency parameter value with sinusoidal variation in thickness for different stacking sequences.
Csλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°−0.50.5586130.6603930.7587250.5948220.6898030.659919−0.30.5164680.6255130.7212520.5646370.6595850.625085−0.10.5258740.6324290.7287950.5703170.6649630.6324750.10.5359560.6404950.7374960.5772050.6717710.6407090.30.5468070.6497710.7474240.5853380.6800210.6498230.50.5586130.6603930.7587250.5948220.6898030.659919Table 8
Fundamental frequency parameter value with sinusoidal variation in thickness for different support conditions.
Csλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)−0.50.6603930.3786020.7587250.4686940.5948220.3355110.6599190.414392−0.30.6255130.3069160.7212520.3972750.5646370.2607520.6250850.344478−0.10.6324290.3222470.7287950.4124010.5703170.2772130.6324750.3597280.10.6404950.3391620.7374960.4292060.5772050.2950560.6407090.3764060.30.6497710.3578700.7474240.4478940.5853380.3144310.6498230.3945950.50.6603930.3786020.7587250.4686940.5948220.3355110.6599190.414392


### 3.2.2. Effect of Side-to-Thickness Variation and Support Conditions

The two-layered plates with antisymmetric angle-ply orientation30°/−30°, 45°/−45°, and 60°/−60°having EGE material are considered to examine the influence of side-to-thickness ratio 10≤a/h≤90 on the value of fundamental frequency parameter λin Figures 4(a)–4(c). The C-S support condition is considered. Also, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variationCs=0.4are fixed for Figures 4(a)–4(c), respectively.Figure 4
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates: EGE.
(a)(b)(c)In Figures5(a)–5(c) influence of different stacking sequences of four-layered plates 45°/−30°/30°/−45°, 45°/−60°/60°/−45°, and 60°/−30°/30°/−60° with KE/EGE/EGE/KE material combination on the relationship between side-to-thickness ratio and frequency parameter is presented for the C-S support condition. The aspect ratio a/b=1, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 5(a)–5(c), respectively. The frequency parameter value varies as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°. Moreover, the frequency differs for different thickness variations.Figure 5
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates: KE/EGE/EGE/KE.
(a)(b)(c)The variations in the value of frequency parameter are shown in Figures6(a)–6(c) under C-F support condition. Generally the frequency parameter value decreases as the side-to-thickness ratio increases. Moreover, the frequency value varies by using different ply angles.Figure 6
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates: EGE/EGE.
(a)(b)(c)Four-layered plates with different lamination scheme and material combination as KE/EGE/EGE/KE are considered to investigate the influence of side-to-thickness ratio on the frequency parameter value by fixing aspect ratioa/b=1 for Figures 7(a)–7(c) , respectively, under C-F support condition. The value of side-to-thickness ratio increases when the value of the frequency decreases.Figure 7
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates: KE/EGE/EGE/KE.
(a)(b)(c)The influence of different ply angles and C-S support conditions for 4-layered plates having KE/EGE/EGE/KE material combination is considered to study the variation of the frequency parameter value with respect to side-to-thickness ratio value by fixing aspect ratioa/b=0.4 and taper ratio η=0.75in Figures 8(a)–8(c), respectively. The frequency parameter value is higher for higher modes. The same parameters are considered in Figure 9 for C-F support condition. The results show that C-F support condition significantly lowers the value of the frequency as compared to C-S support condition.Figure 8
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 9
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure10 demonstrates the effect of aspect ratio a/b=0.4,1 on relation of frequency parameter and side-to-thickness ratio for four-layered plates. The frequency parameter value decreases as the aspect ratio increases. Similarly the same trend is seen in Figure 11 and the only difference is the support condition: C-F support condition lowers the frequency.Figure 10
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.Figure 11
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.


### 3.2.3. Effect of Aspect Ratio

The influence of aspect ratio on the variation of frequency value is studied for 2-layered antisymmetric angle-ply plates in Figure12 for C-S support conditions. The value of side-to-thickness ratio a/h=10, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 12(a)–12(c), respectively. The frequency value increases as the aspect ratio increases. Examining the effect of different ply angles, it is concluded that the frequency increases with the increase of ply angle but the effect of different thickness variations is marginal on the value of the frequency.Figure 12
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 3-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Antisymmetric angle-ply four-layered plates are studied to examine the influence of different ply angles and aspect ratio under C-S boundary conditions in Figure13. The side-to-thickness ratioa/h=10, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 13(a)–13(c), respectively. The frequency increases with the increase of aspect ratio. The value of frequency varies with respect to ply orientation as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°.Figure 13
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Two- and 4-layered plates of different lamination scheme are studied in Figures14 and 15 under C-F support conditions to observe the effect of aspect ratio on the frequency. It is seen that the frequency value increases slowly with the increase of aspect ratio. Further, the lamination angles affect the value of frequency. Also C-F support conditions significantly lower the value of fundamental frequency when compared with C-S conditions.Figure 14
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 15
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figures16 and 17 show the effect of four-layered plates on the frequency under C-S and C-F support conditions. The characteristics pattern of the curves is similar for both graphs. The frequency is higher for higher modes and C-F support conditions significantly lower the value of the frequency.Figure 16
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 17
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)


## 3.2.1. Effect of Various Thickness Variations

(1) Effect of Linear Thickness Variation. The impact of taper ratio on the fundamental frequency parameter is shown in Tables 3 and 4 . Table 3 shows the discrepancy of frequency of 2- and 4-layered antisymmetric angle-ply plates consisting of stacking sequence as 30°/−30°, 45°/−45°, and 60°/−60°having EGE material, whereas four-layered plates have stacking sequence as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°, 45°/−60°/60°/−45°, and 60°/−30°/30°/−60° (KE/EGE/EGE/KE) are considered. The C-S support condition is considered in Table 3, which shows that frequency differs as the taper ratio increases, whereas frequency parameter value is 30°/−30°<45°/−45°<60°/−60°and for four-layered plates, it is45°/−30°/30°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°. In Table 4 the values of the frequency of 2- and 4-layered plates under two different support conditions are shown. It is seen that plates having C-F support condition show lesser frequency value than plates with C-S support condition for both two- and four-layered plates.Table 3
Fundamental frequency parameter value with taper ratio for different stacking sequences.
ηλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°0.50.5156400.6249370.7206190.5641780.6591660.6244510.90.5292320.6350480.7316290.5725290.6671240.6351861.30.5357210.6403010.7372870.5770360.6716020.6405141.70.5425180.6460410.7434390.5820460.6766620.6461962.10.5496680.6523010.7501200.5875830.6823240.652256Table 4
Fundamental frequency parameter value with taper ratio for different support conditions.
ηλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)0.50.6249370.3055860.7206190.3959690.5641780.2593090.6244510.3431510.90.6350480.3278250.7316290.4179310.5725290.2831320.6351860.3652481.30.6403010.3387620.7372870.4288080.5770360.2946370.6405140.3760141.70.6460410.3504240.7434390.4404450.5820460.3067620.6461960.3873912.10.6523010.3628680.7501200.4529010.5875830.3195490.6522560.399403(2) Effect of Exponential Thickness Variation. In Tables 5 and 6 the influence of exponential variation in thickness on the frequency is shown. It is seen from Table 5 that in case of two-layered plates having 30°/−30° stacking sequence depicts the least frequency and 60°/−60°plates show the highest frequency. Moreover, 45°/−30°/30°/−45°plates show the least frequency and 45°/−60°/60°/−45°plates show the highest fundamental frequency value. Table 6 shows that plates with C-S support conditions show higher fundamental frequency value than C-F support conditions.Table 5
Fundamental frequency parameter value with exponential variation in thickness for different stacking sequences.
Ceλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°−0.20.5348930.6396180.7365530.5764460.6710110.639829−0.10.5369420.6413150.7383760.5779160.6724850.64152800.5308270.6363170.7329980.5736100.6681900.6364860.10.5274390.6336410.7301070.5713370.6659560.6337340.20.5348930.6396180.7365530.5764460.6710110.639829Table 6
Fundamental frequency parameter value with exponential variation in thickness for different support conditions.
Ceλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)−0.20.6396180.3373570.7365530.4274080.5764460.2931660.6398290.374635−0.10.6413150.3408440.7383760.4308820.5779160.2968110.6415280.37805200.6363170.3304940.7329980.4205820.5736100.2859530.6364860.3678840.10.6336410.3248390.7301070.4149690.5713370.2799680.6337340.3622960.20.6319780.3212760.7283060.4114390.5699390.2761790.6320040.358766(3) Effect of Sinusoidal Thickness Variation. The influence of sinusoidal variation in thickness on the frequency is shown in Tables 7 and 8 . It is seen from Table 7 that in 2-layered plates frequency value increases with the increase of angle, whereas in four-layered plates 45°/−60°/60°/−45° stacking sequence plates showed the highest frequency value and 45°/−30°/30°/−45° stacking sequence plates showed the lowest frequency value. Table 8 shows that plates with C-S support conditions show higher fundamental frequency value than C-F support conditions.Table 7
Fundamental frequency parameter value with sinusoidal variation in thickness for different stacking sequences.
Csλ30°/−30°45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°45°/−60°/60°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°−0.50.5586130.6603930.7587250.5948220.6898030.659919−0.30.5164680.6255130.7212520.5646370.6595850.625085−0.10.5258740.6324290.7287950.5703170.6649630.6324750.10.5359560.6404950.7374960.5772050.6717710.6407090.30.5468070.6497710.7474240.5853380.6800210.6498230.50.5586130.6603930.7587250.5948220.6898030.659919Table 8
Fundamental frequency parameter value with sinusoidal variation in thickness for different support conditions.
Csλ45°/−45°60°/−60°45°/−30°/30°/−45°60°/−30°/30°/−60°(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)(C-S)(C-F)−0.50.6603930.3786020.7587250.4686940.5948220.3355110.6599190.414392−0.30.6255130.3069160.7212520.3972750.5646370.2607520.6250850.344478−0.10.6324290.3222470.7287950.4124010.5703170.2772130.6324750.3597280.10.6404950.3391620.7374960.4292060.5772050.2950560.6407090.3764060.30.6497710.3578700.7474240.4478940.5853380.3144310.6498230.3945950.50.6603930.3786020.7587250.4686940.5948220.3355110.6599190.414392


## 3.2.2. Effect of Side-to-Thickness Variation and Support Conditions

The two-layered plates with antisymmetric angle-ply orientation30°/−30°, 45°/−45°, and 60°/−60°having EGE material are considered to examine the influence of side-to-thickness ratio 10≤a/h≤90 on the value of fundamental frequency parameter λin Figures 4(a)–4(c). The C-S support condition is considered. Also, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variationCs=0.4are fixed for Figures 4(a)–4(c), respectively.Figure 4
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates: EGE.
(a)(b)(c)In Figures5(a)–5(c) influence of different stacking sequences of four-layered plates 45°/−30°/30°/−45°, 45°/−60°/60°/−45°, and 60°/−30°/30°/−60° with KE/EGE/EGE/KE material combination on the relationship between side-to-thickness ratio and frequency parameter is presented for the C-S support condition. The aspect ratio a/b=1, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 5(a)–5(c), respectively. The frequency parameter value varies as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°. Moreover, the frequency differs for different thickness variations.Figure 5
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates: KE/EGE/EGE/KE.
(a)(b)(c)The variations in the value of frequency parameter are shown in Figures6(a)–6(c) under C-F support condition. Generally the frequency parameter value decreases as the side-to-thickness ratio increases. Moreover, the frequency value varies by using different ply angles.Figure 6
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates: EGE/EGE.
(a)(b)(c)Four-layered plates with different lamination scheme and material combination as KE/EGE/EGE/KE are considered to investigate the influence of side-to-thickness ratio on the frequency parameter value by fixing aspect ratioa/b=1 for Figures 7(a)–7(c) , respectively, under C-F support condition. The value of side-to-thickness ratio increases when the value of the frequency decreases.Figure 7
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates: KE/EGE/EGE/KE.
(a)(b)(c)The influence of different ply angles and C-S support conditions for 4-layered plates having KE/EGE/EGE/KE material combination is considered to study the variation of the frequency parameter value with respect to side-to-thickness ratio value by fixing aspect ratioa/b=0.4 and taper ratio η=0.75in Figures 8(a)–8(c), respectively. The frequency parameter value is higher for higher modes. The same parameters are considered in Figure 9 for C-F support condition. The results show that C-F support condition significantly lowers the value of the frequency as compared to C-S support condition.Figure 8
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 9
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure10 demonstrates the effect of aspect ratio a/b=0.4,1 on relation of frequency parameter and side-to-thickness ratio for four-layered plates. The frequency parameter value decreases as the aspect ratio increases. Similarly the same trend is seen in Figure 11 and the only difference is the support condition: C-F support condition lowers the frequency.Figure 10
Influence of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.Figure 11
Impact of side-to-thickness ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.


## 3.2.3. Effect of Aspect Ratio

The influence of aspect ratio on the variation of frequency value is studied for 2-layered antisymmetric angle-ply plates in Figure12 for C-S support conditions. The value of side-to-thickness ratio a/h=10, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 12(a)–12(c), respectively. The frequency value increases as the aspect ratio increases. Examining the effect of different ply angles, it is concluded that the frequency increases with the increase of ply angle but the effect of different thickness variations is marginal on the value of the frequency.Figure 12
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 3-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Antisymmetric angle-ply four-layered plates are studied to examine the influence of different ply angles and aspect ratio under C-S boundary conditions in Figure13. The side-to-thickness ratioa/h=10, taper ratio η=0.75, exponential thickness variation Ce=0.1, and sinusoidal thickness variation Cs=0.4 are fixed for Figures 13(a)–13(c), respectively. The frequency increases with the increase of aspect ratio. The value of frequency varies with respect to ply orientation as 45°/−30°/30°/−45°<45°/−60°/60°/−45°<60°/−30°/30°/−60°.Figure 13
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Two- and 4-layered plates of different lamination scheme are studied in Figures14 and 15 under C-F support conditions to observe the effect of aspect ratio on the frequency. It is seen that the frequency value increases slowly with the increase of aspect ratio. Further, the lamination angles affect the value of frequency. Also C-F support conditions significantly lower the value of fundamental frequency when compared with C-S conditions.Figure 14
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 2-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 15
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figures16 and 17 show the effect of four-layered plates on the frequency under C-S and C-F support conditions. The characteristics pattern of the curves is similar for both graphs. The frequency is higher for higher modes and C-F support conditions significantly lower the value of the frequency.Figure 16
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-S support condition.
(a)(b)(c)Figure 17
Influence of aspect ratio on frequency parameter value of 4-layered plates under C-F support condition.
(a)(b)(c)


## 4. Conclusion

The investigation of layered plates for different geometric properties and support conditions for FSDT is considered. The vibration of layered plates consisting of 2- and 4-layered plates under clamped-simply supported and clamped-free support conditions is analyzed. It is concluded that as the number of layers are increased the frequency value decreases. Moreover, it is discovered that frequency value is higher for C-S boundary condition as compared to C-F boundary condition. It is determined that geometric parameters and layer constituents affect the frequency, whether this effect is significant or marginal. As can be seen from the results, the frequency parameter rises with the increase of aspect ratio; therefore, the rise in frequency shows that the rigidity of the structure will increase. Meanwhile, frequency parameter reduces with the rise of aspect ratio; therefore, the reductions in frequency show that the stiffness of the structure will decrease. Consequently, decrease or increase in the frequency value results in decrease or increase in the stiffness.



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*Source: 8843358-2021-01-15.xml*