Dynamic characteristics of bimodular laminated panels using an efficient layerwise theory

The analytical solutions for the free and forced vibration characteristics of all edges simply supported bimodular cross-ply laminated plates and cylindrical panels are presented using the Bert’s constitutive model and layerwise theory (LWT). The positive/negative half cycle free vibration frequencies, corresponding through the thickness distribution of modal stresses and frequency response under harmonic excitation obtained using layerwise theory are compared with those obtained using first order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The layerwise theory is computationally efficient since the number of unknowns does not depend on the number of layers and the distribution of transverse shear stresses can be predicted directly from the constitutive relations.