Free Vibration Analysis of Fiber-Metal Laminated Composite Plates Using Differential, Generalized and Harmonic Quadrature Methods: Experimental and Numerical Studies

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to demonstrate the numerical application of differential quadrature (DQ) methods and show the experimental application of free vibration analysis of fiber-metal laminated composite (FML) plates with various boundary conditions. Design/methodology/approach The FMLs are hybrid structures consisting of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites such as carbon, glass, aramid and different metal sheets, and are currently widely used in the automobile, aircraft and aerospace industries. Thus, free vibration analysis of these hybrid materials is necessary for the design process. The governing equations of motion are derived based on the classical plate theory. The DQ, generalized DQ (GDQ) and harmonic DQ (HDQ) differential quadrature methods have been used to solve the governing equations of an FML composite plate numerically. The accuracy and convergence of the numerical model have been verified by comparing the results available in the published literature with the results obtained from these methods. Moreover, an experimental procedure has been performed in order to compare the results against those of the numerical methods. Findings It is noteworthy that a high degree of similarity and accuracy was observed between the numerical results obtained by the DQ methods and the experimental results. Thus, the present study validates the applicability of the DQ methods for designing the FML composite plates. Originality/value In this study, the advantages of the DQ methods have been demonstrated differently from previous studies on the vibration analysis of the FML plates.