Three-dimensional free vibration analysis of perforated super elliptical plates via the p-Ritz method

A three-dimensional free vibration analysis of a perforated plate with roun ded corners is presented. A solution method based on the linear, small stra in, three-dimensional elasticity theory and the p-Ritz algorithm is employe d. This analysis method uses sets of uniquely defined one- and two-dimensio nal polynomial functions as the trial displacements in the thickness and su rface directions to arrive the eigenvalue equation which yields the natural frequencies and mode shapes for the perforated super elliptical plates. Th e accuracy of these results, if possible, is validated through comparison w ith the available literature. Parametric investigations on the vibration be haviours of the perforated super-elliptical plates with respect to differen t thickness ratios, cutout sizes and boundary constraints are examined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.