Dynamic analysis of composite plates

The paper presents comparatively the measured and estimated natural frequencies and mode shapes of a rectangular orthotropic panel. The experimental tests were performed using a shaker. The plate was fixed in horizontal position directly on the shaker armature using a rigid rod. The experimental modes shapes were visualized using sand particles. The measured natural frequencies and also the modes shapes correspond to the whole system in motion. So, the analytic model of the plate must include the effect of the vibrator connected to the plates. The purpose of this experimental measurements and analytic modeling of such plates is to further developing a methodology to estimate the material properties of the composite panels. At this research stage, an orthotropic plate with unknown material properties was investigated. Using an adequate finite element model, the mechanical properties of the material were estimated. Using these properties it is possible to numerically estimate the dynamic behavior of the plate for additional sets of boundary conditions.