Levy-type solution for free vibration analysis of orthotropic plates based on two variable refined plate theory

Closed-form solutions for free vibration analysis of orthotropic plates are obtained in this paper based on two variable refined plate theory. The theory, which has strong similarity with classical plate theory in many aspects, accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. Equations of motion are derived from the Hamilton’s principle. The closed-form solutions of rectangular plates with two opposite edges simply supported and the other two edges having arbitrary boundary conditions are obtained by applying the state space approach to the Levy-type solution. Comparison studies are performed to verify the validity of the present results. The effects of boundary condition, and variations of modulus ratio, aspect ratio, and thickness ratio on the natural frequency of orthotropic plates are investigated and discussed in detail.