Free vibration of generally layered composite beams using symbolic computations

A first order shear deformation theory is used to analyze the free vibrations of generally layered composite beams. The model used in this study accounts for both inplane and rotary inertias. The Poisson effect, width effect, boundary conditions, layups, effect of anisotropy on cross-ply and angle-ply laminates, and the effect of couplng, are investigated. The equations of motion are integrated to an arbitrary degree of accuracy by using symbolic computation, and results obtained are validated by comparison with previously published experimental and numerical results. Comparison with results from classical laminate theory is also included.