In this paper, the dispersion and energy dissipation of thermoelastic plane
harmonic waves in a thin plate bounded by insulated traction-free surfaces
is studied on the basis of three generalized theories of thermoelasticity.
The frequency equations corresponding to the symmetric and antisymmetric m
odes of vibration of the plate are obtained. Some limiting and particular c
ases of the frequency equations are then discussed. Results obtained in thr
ee theories of generalized thermoelasticity are compared. The results for t
he coupled thermoelasticity can be obtained as particular cases of the resu
lts by setting thermal relaxations times equal to zero. Numerical evaluatio
ns relating to the lower modes of the symmetric and antisymmetric waves are
presented for an aluminum alloy plate.