Free Vibration Analysis of Orthotropic Thick Plates by Boundary Element Method

Journal article

Authors/Editors

Strategic Research Themes

Publication Details

Author list: Pat Chaiarun; Boonme Chinnaboon; Somchai Chucheepsakul; Monchai Panyatong

Publisher: King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

Publication year: 2024

Volume number: 47

Issue number: 3

Start page: 295

End page: 321

Number of pages: 27

ISSN: ISSN 3027-7914 (Online)

URL: https://ph04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SEC/article/view/7718

Languages: Thai (TH)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: A study of free vibration of shear deformable orthotropic plates holds significant importance and interest in various aspects. Understanding the vibration behavior of these plates enhances the design of stronger and more stable structures, reducing the risk of damage or structural failure over time. Study of the behavior of orthotropic plates, with their directional mechanical properties, are crucial for selecting efficient materials for specific structural applications, such as in aerospace and high-rise buildings. The application of orthotropic plates extends across advanced technologies in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Additionally, the insights gained from vibration analysis would facilitate the optimization of structural designs, minimizing unwanted vibrations and enhancing load-bearing capabilities. The boundary element method is known for its high efficiency and accuracy in solving complex engineering problems, making it an ideal choice for such analysis. The present study aimed to apply the boundary element method to investigate the free vibration behavior of thick orthotropic plates under general boundary conditions and shapes. Methodology: The present analysis is based on Mindlin's theory of moderately thick plates and formulates the equations of motion using the Hamilton's principle. The proposed approach employs the principle of the analog equation to determine the frequencies and mode shapes for free vibration analysis of the plates. This technique involves substituting the original problem's equations of motion with three Poisson equations under fictitious forces that conform to the original boundary conditions. These fictitious forces are computed using the boundary element method and approximated using radial basis functions. Main Results: To validate the reliability and accuracy of the method, the analysis results were compared with those of other research. The results show that the error for the first vibrational mode ranges from 0.035% to 1.236%. Additionally, the convergence of the solution reveals that the optimal number of boundary elements ranges from 160 to 240, while the number of internal nodes within the domain ranges from 196 to 400. The proposed methodology could effectively analyze the natural frequencies and mode shapes of orthotropic thick plates with general boundary conditions, ranging between elastic support and elastic restraint. Furthermore, this research investigated the parameters affecting the free vibration of orthotropic thick plates. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by analyzing the free vibration of orthotropic thick plates with complex shapes and boundary conditions. The analysis shows that the natural frequencies are in good agreement with those obtained using other solutions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the boundary element method employing the principle of the analog equation. The method is capable of accurately depicting the vibration behavior of complex-shaped orthotropic thick plates. Conclusions: The solutions obtained from the boundary element method are consistent with those from previous research, indicating its suitability for analyzing free vibration problems of orthotropic thick plates. The present study highlights the robustness and precision of the boundary element method in handling complex geometries and boundary conditions, making it a valuable tool for structural engineers. The ability to efficiently and accurately investigate natural frequencies and mode shapes ensures its practical applicability in the design and analysis of advanced structural systems. Future work could expand on this research by exploring the effects of different material properties and boundary conditions, as well as extending the method to analyze forced vibrations. Practical Application: The proposed method can efficiently analyze natural frequencies and mode shapes of complex-shaped orthotropic thick plates under general boundary conditions for use in designing plate structures.

Keywords

Analog equation method, Boundary element method, Free vibration, Orthotropic plates, Thick plates