Effect of stacking sequence on free vibration frequencies of laminated composite circular cylindrical shells

This study compares the effect of stacking sequence on natural frequencies of cylindrical shells for different end conditions and vibration modes. For this purpose, an analysis of the natural frequencies of laminated composit e cylindrical shells is carried out using linear Reissner shell theory with the transverse shear deformation effects taken into account. The governing equations for the free vibration of laminated cylindrical shells are reduc ed to 10 first-order differential equations involving 10 unknowns. Natural frequencies and mode shapes are solved by using a combination of modal iter ation and frequency trial methods for various circumferential vibration mod es, stacking sequences, and end conditions, including the nonconventional o nes. The results show the efficient applicability of the combination of the modal iteration and frequency trial method to the solution of the shell vi bration problem, and they give valuable information on the effect of the st acking sequence on the stiffness characteristics of composite cylindrical s hells under different end conditions.