Dynamic stiffness method for exact inplane free vibration analysis of plates and plate assemblies

The inplane free vibration behaviour of plates is investigated using the dynamic stiffness method. Some distinctive modes which went unnoticed in earlier investigations using the dynamic stiffness method have been addressed by revisiting the problem and focusing on the special set of missing solutions. Results are validated extensively both by published results as well as by numerical studies using NASTRAN and ABAQUS. The accuracy of the finite element method for inplane free vibration analysis is assessed and critically examined through the provision of benchmark solutions. Some representative modes that are missed by well-established dynamic-stiffness-based computer programs are presented. The inplane dynamic stiffness matrix presented is of great importance when combined with the out of plane matrix in order to obtain the closed-form solution for free vibration analysis of structures with complex geometries.