A Variable-Kinematic Model for Variable Stiffness Plates: Vibration and Buckling Analysis

This paper presents an advanced approximate technique for the vibration and buckling analysis of variable stiffness plates. The formulation is based on a variable-kinematic approach and is developed in the context of a variational framework together with the method of Ritz. Any set of boundary conditions can be accounted for, while loading conditions of pure axial compression are assumed. Results are validated against finite element predictions and solutions available in the literature, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed method in terms of eigenvalues and modal shape descriptions. A novel set of vibration and buckling results is provided for moderately thick variable stiffness plates, including monolithic and sandwich configurations.