Evaluation of free vibration and bending analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates using non-polynomial zigzag models: C0 Finite element formulation.

The present work deals with prediction of bending and free vibration analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates using non-polynomial zigzag theories inline with C-0 finite element formulation. The assumed mathematical model is the combination of zigzag parameters and non-polynomial shear strain functions with constant variation of transverse displacement. It represents continuous form of out-plane stresses and parabolic variation across the plate thickness. Moreover, improved form of in-plane responses also achieved. The mathematical model is layer independent and consist of less number of unknowns like in the case of first order theory. Hence, the present theory required less computational efforts. Higher mode shapes of frequencies are obtained for the multilayered sandwich plates and composite plates. By ranging the geometrical parameters, loading conditions, material properties and boundary conditions the numerical examples are carried out to establish the superiority of the current zigzag models than the available results. (C) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.