On the modeling of dynamic behavior of composite plates using a simple nth-HSDT

In the present paper, a simple refined nth-higher-order shear deformation theory is applied for the free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates. The proposed displacement field is based on a novel kinematic in which inch trie the undetermined integral terms and contains only four unknowns, as against five or more in case of other higher-order theories. The present theory accounts for adequate distribution of the transverse shear strains through the plate thickness and satisfies the shear stress-free boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate, therefore, it does not require problem dependent shear correction factor. The governing equations of motion are derived from Hamilton's principle and solved via Navier-type to obtain closed form solutions. The numerical results of non-dimensional natural frequencies obtained by using the present theory are presented and compared with those of other theories available in the literature to verify the validity of present solutions. It can be concluded that the present refined theory is accurate and efficient in predicting the natural frequencies of isotropic, orthotropic and laminated composite plates.