Fundamental frequency and design of the CFCF composite sandwich plate

Abstract The design efficiency of sandwich panels is often associated with the value of fundamental frequency. This paper investigates the free vibrations of rectangular sandwich plates having two adjacent edges fully clamped and the remaining two edges free (CFCF). The vibration analysis is performed by applying Hamilton’s principle in conjunction with the first-order shear deformation theory. The analytical solution determining the fundamental frequency of the plate is obtained using the generalised Galerkin method and verified by comparison with the results of finite element modal analysis. The approach developed in the paper and equations obtained are applied to the design of sandwich plates having composite facings and orthotropic core. Design charts representing the effects of the thickness of the facings and core on the mass of composite sandwich panel for a given value of the fundamental frequency are obtained.