Forced periodic vibrations of laminated composite plates by a p-version, first order shear deformation, finite element

The subject of this study is the large amplitude, geometrically non-linear periodic vibrations of shear deformable composite laminated plates. A p-version, hierarchical finite element is employed to define the model, taking into account the effects of the rotary inertia, transverse shear and geometrical non-linearity. Harmonic forces are applied transversely to the plates and the steady-state periodic solutions are sought in the time domain by the shooting method. Fixing the amplitude of excitation and varying its frequency, response curves are derived. Several cases of modal coupling are found and the ensuing motions are analysed. The influences that the fibres orientations have on the forced vibrations are investigated. The efficiency and accuracy of the methods employed are discussed.