Free vibration and transient analysis of advanced composite plates using a new higher-order shear and normal deformation theory

This study makes an attempt at analyzing free vibration and transient behavior of advanced composites such as FGM plates by isogeometric approach. A new hybrid-type HSDT capable of taking into account through-thickness expansion for the dynamic analysis is developed and coupled with the NURBS-based IGA method. The quasi-3D theory in which the transverse displacement is divided into the bending and shear terms employs the independent shear and normal shape functions. The Hamilton's principle is used to derive the governing equilibrium equations for the dynamic problem. Some numerical examples available in the relevant literature are first simulated to verify the proposed quasi-3D analysis method, and their results are matched with the reference values. The accuracy and effectiveness of the present higher-order shear and normal deformation theory combined with the IGA method in obtaining solution for the free vibration and transient response are evidenced. Illustrative parametric studies are also performed to further investigate the effects of the plate geometric parameter, ingredient fraction, boundary condition and FGM constituents, all of which have significant influences on the dynamic and transient behavior.