Vibrational and acoustic responses of a laminated plate with temperature gradient along the thickness

Analytical study is carried out on the dynamic characteristics of a laminated plate under temperature gradient. Theoretical formulations are derived with the first order shear deformation theory and von Karman nonlinear strain displacement relationship considering the effect of temperature gradient. Semi-analytical solutions of vibration and acoustic responses are obtained for different temperature gradients. The correctness of the theoretical method is demonstrated by comparing with the experimental result and numerical simulation. The present work theoretically explains why the lowest point (buckling occurring) of the experimental curve of resonant frequencies for thermal structure is shifting up away from the horizontal axis. It also means that initial thermal deformation and thermal stress have to be considered together in simulation of the dynamical response for thermal structure. Research results show that with increasing temperature gradients, the resonant frequency increases, the critical mid-plane temperature at which resonant frequency drops to the lowest decreases, and the response peaks move toward higher frequency.