Non-linear flexural oscillations of a partially tapered annular plate

The free finite amplitude axisymmetric oscillations of an isotropic annular plate with partially tapered thickness are investigated. The time variable is eliminated by a Ritz-Kantorovich averaging method. The von Karman plate equations are then reduced to two non-linear ordinary differential equations, which form a non-linear eigenvalue problem. Solutions to the problem are obtained by utilizing a direct computational method. The results reveal the effects of large amplitude upon the dynamic responses. Also, an annulus of constant thickness, which has the same boundary conditions and the same volume as the partially tapered one, is investigated. Their results, which may shed light on the optimal design of annular plates, are compared.