Finite Element Analysis of Natural Frequencies of Layered Composite Plate in Thermal Environment

Abstract

This paper investigates the influence of thermal environment on the natural frequencies of laminated composite plates via numerical simulation. The Finite Element (FE) model for the plate is developed using ANSYS Parametric Design Language (ANSYS21R1) and discretized using an eight noded orthotropic four-sided element (Shell281). The speculative formulation is based on the first order shear deformation theory (FOSDT). The observations from the convergence and comparison tests performed by considering the results available in the open literature signify the effectiveness and relevancy of the current model for the specified problem. The effect of temperature alongside other distinct design criterion and type of composite materials on the fundamental frequency of laminated flat panel is deliberated through discrete numerical illustrations. The natural frequencies are observed to increase with increasing aspect ratio and number of constraints at the support with the cross-ply laminates exhibiting higher natural frequencies.