A variational solution of coupled vibration for moderately thick floating plate seated on the sea floor with variable water depth

Based on Reissner's plate theory, a localized variational principle for the coupled vibrations of moderately thick floating plates seated on the sea floor with variable water depth is presented in this paper. It will be a powerful tool to formulate various approximate methods of moderately thick floating plates. By means of this variational principle a formula for calculating the natural frequencies of moderately thick floating plates is also obtained. A numerical example shows that high accuracy and computational time saving may be achieved in calculation.