Forced transverse vibrations of a simply supported rectangular orthotropicplate in the case where the force acts over a plate subdomain

The present study deals with the exact solution of the title problem in the case where a uniformly distributed p(0) cos omegat-type force acts over a rectangular portion of the plate. The problem is of interest in naval and o cean engineering systems where a motor or an engine mounted on a plate or s lab induces a dynamic excitation over a finite area. Mechanical designers c ommonly consider the problem from the point of view of a concentrated dynam ic or static force. On the other hand, modelling the structural system as a n orthotropic element is of considerable interest in ocean and naval design in view of the ever-increasing use of composite materials and also of the anisotropic characteristics often induced by metallurgical processes. (C) 2 001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.