Tailoring the dynamic characteristics of composite panels using fiber orientation

Abstract One of the advantages of composite structures is the ability to tailor their characteristics by using different lamination schemes. The present paper studies the effects of various lamination schemes on the linear and nonlinear natural frequencies of symmetrically laminated composite panels. The nonlinear equations account for geometric nonlinearities and allow finite displacements and rotations. Numerical studies of a graphite/epoxy panel show that the dominant nonlinearities are cubic and that both the linear and nonlinear natural frequencies of the panel can be altered significantly by changing the orientation of the fiber in the various plies. However, the nonlinear behavior of the panel remains of the hardening type. It is also shown that the strongest nonlinearities are associated with the lowest linear natural frequency whereas the weakest nonlinearities are associated with the largest linear natural frequency.