Nonlinear flexural vibrations of laminated orthotropic plates

Large amplitude free flexural vibrations of laminated orthotropic plates are studied using C0 shear flexible QUAD-8 plate element. The nonlinear governing equations are solved using the direct iteration technique. Numerical results are obtained for isotropic, orthotropic and cross-ply laminated plates with simply-supported boundary conditions on immovable edges. It is observed that hardening behaviour is increased for thick plates and orthotropic plates. © 1991.