Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Composite Plates on Elastic Foundations in Thermal Environments

Nonlinear vibrations of composite plates on an elastic foundation in thermal environments are presented in this study. Graphite/epoxy is selected as the plate material. The properties of composite material are assumed to be temperature-dependent. Nonlinear free vibrations of laminated composite plates are investigated in the fully clamped boundary conditions. The classical finite element method is used and a specially prepared computer code is written in the Matlab software. Vibrations of the spring supported laminated composite plate are directly influenced by the boundary conditions and dimensions of plate.In this study, generated graphical values reveal that foundation stiffness and temperature have significant effects on the linear and nonlinear frequencies of composite plates.