Wave propagation in composite multilayered structures with delaminations

Using the Rayleigh–Ritz method, the natural frequencies of layered cylindrical shells with delaminations are derived. The results are compared with FE computations and with data available in the literature. It is demonstrated that the transverse shear effects can play a significant role in a correct and accurate evaluation of the natural frequencies of such shells. Numerical investigations into the problem of radial excitations of cylinders with delaminations have also been performed. From the results obtained, it follows that their optimal excitation frequency is related to the natural frequency of a local region containing the delamination.