Free vibration of laminated composite plates with cutout

The present investigation is concerned with free vibration analysis of composite plates in the presence of cutouts undergoing large amplitude oscillations. The Ritz finite element model using a nine-noded C-0 continuity, isoparametric quadrilateral element along with a higher order displacement theory which accounts for parabolic variation of transverse shear stresses is used to predict the dynamic behavior. Results have been obtained for laminated plates with various cutout geometries such as square, rectangle, circle and ellipse in the large amplitude range. Backbone curves are drawn for various boundary conditions and aspect ratios of the cutout. (C) 1999 Academic Press.