NONLINEAR VIBRATION OF LAMINATED PLATES USING A REFINED SHEAR FLEXIBLE FINITE-ELEMENT

A finite element model based on a higher order shear deformation theor y is developed to study the large amplitude-free vibration of laminate d composite plates. The large deformation is accounted for by using vo n Karman strain-displacement relations. The higher order theory accoun ts for the parabolic variation of transverse shear strains through the thickness of the laminate. A C0 nine noded isoparametric element with seven degrees of freedom at each node is implemented. The direct iter ation method is used to solve the nonlinear equations which are evalua ted at the point of reversal of motion. A wide variety of case studies are performed to examine the nonlinear vibration characteristics of l aminated plates.