Eigenfrequency Behavior of Banana/Glass/Epoxy Hybrid Composite-A Numerical and Experimental Investigation

ABSTRACT In the present work, a finite element model in conjunction with higher-order shear deformation theory was developed to investigate the eigenfrequency responses of hybrid composite (banana-glass-epoxy) flat-panel structures. First of all, five different sets of banana-glass-epoxy hybrid composite plates were fabricated using an in-house fabrication facility. The test specimen for elastic property evaluation was prepared according to the ASTM standard. The necessary elastic properties were obtained by tensile test and utilized in numerical analysis. Furthermore, to develop the mathematical model of hybrid laminated composite, higher-order displacement kinematics were used that eliminates the consideration of shear correction factor. The model of plate was divided into several small parts using 2D nine noded elements. The elemental mass and stiffness of the panel were obtained and assembled to get the global mass and stiffness. The global values were substituted further into the governing equation derived from Hamilton principle. Furthermore, constraints conditions were imposed and the governing equation was solved to get the natural frequency. First, the numerical model’s sensitivity and accuracy were checked by stability and validation study. After that new numerical examples were solved and influences of different parameters including hybridization on frequency responses were studied and discussed in detail.