Vibration Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates Using Design of Experiments Approach

This paper discusses the use of D-optimal designs and response surface methodology in predicting the natural frequency of laminated composite plate under clamped boundary condition. The finite element analyses have been carried out using D-optimal design in the design of experiments technique by varying the fibre orientations, -45°, 0°, 45° and 90°. The natural frequencies were found by analyses which were done by finite element (FE) analysis software. A second order model has been established between the ply angles and natural frequency. The predicted values and measured values are fairly close, which indicates that the developed model can be effectively used to predict the natural frequency of laminated composite plates. The predicted values are confirmed by using validation experiments. The adequacy of the developed model is verified by using the coefficient of determination and residual analysis. The effect of side-to-thickness ratios, aspect ratios and modulus ratios are studied on the natural frequency for optimal stacking sequence.