Approximate vibration analysis of laminated curved panel using higher-order shear deformation theory

An approximate analysis for free vibration of a laminated curved panel (shell) with four edges simply supported (SS2), is presented in this paper. The transverse shear deformation is considered by using a higher-order shear deformation theory. For solving the highly coupled partial differential governing equations and associated boundary conditions, a set of solution functions in the form of double trigonometric Fourier series, which are required to satisfy the geometry part of the considered boundary conditions, is assumed in advance. By applying the Galerkin procedure both to the governing equations and to the natural boundary conditions not satisfied by the assumed solution functions, an approximate solution, capable of providing a reliable prediction for the global response of the panel, is obtained. Numerical results of antisymmetric angle-ply as well as symmetric cross-ply and angle-ply laminated curved panels are presented and discussed.