Design quidelines for the vibration and stability of composite structures

The vibration of composite cantilever plates having a rectangular platform is discussed, and design guidelines with respect to dynamic stability are given. The governing equations of motion are linearized in the chordwise direction by a partial Ritz procedure. The linearized equations are thereafter cast in matrix form, yielding a coupled set of partial differential equations. The problem is then solved by wave propagation analysis. The governing partial differential operators are transformed to the space of algebraic functions by means of exponential mappings defined in terms of the spatial wave number. Expressions for the spectral relations, dispersion relations and stability boundaries are derived. The phenomenon of spontaneous loss of stability is discussed.