Free vibration analysis of laminated composite plates with elastically restrained edges using FEM

The application of FEM is shown for free vibration analysis of moderately thick laminated composite plates with edges elastically restrained against translation and rotation. The governing equations employed are based on the first order shear deformation theory including the effects of rotary inertia. Several combinations of translational and rotational elastic edge constraints are considered. Convergence study with respect to the number of nodes has been carried out and the results are compared with those from past investigations available only for simpler problems. Angle-ply and cross-ply laminates with different thickness-to-length ratios are examined. Comparisons are made with results for thin as well as moderately thick laminated plates.