Published: 31 December 2019

Nonlinear free vibration analysis of levy plates using weak-form variational principle in polynomial displacement functions

P. D. Onodagu1
V. O. Okonkwo2
C. H. Aginam3
1, 2, 3Department of Civil Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Corresponding Author:
P. D. Onodagu
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Abstract

This paper evaluates nonlinear free vibrations of Levy plates using Weak-Form variational principle in algebraic polynomial displacement functions. The energy functional of the plate problem was formulated using Weak-Form variational technique on the integral function of the Von Karman thin plate differential equations. The displacement functions were developed based on static deflection configurations of orthogonal beam network. The process of repeated direct integration on compatibility equation was used to determine the algebraic expressions for stress function. The amplitude of deflection which directly influences the geometric nonlinearity of the plate was determined using integration process on energy functional based on static equilibrium equations. The modal combination method was used to develop the stiffness and mass matrices respectively from the expressions of energy functional based on dynamic equilibrium equations. The numerical values of amplitudes of deflection at various aspect ratios were computed. Also, the first four nonlinear natural frequencies at various aspect ratios were numerically computed. The validation of the present study’s results using the results from previous work found in literature shows satisfactory convergence, with an absolute mean error of 0.186 %. Conclusively, the application of Weak-Form variational principle in polynomial displacement functions provides satisfactory approximation to nonlinear dynamic analysis of Levy plates.

1. Introduction

A levy plate in the context of this paper refers to any rectangular plate in which at least two opposite edge conditions are simply supported; and any of the two remaining edge conditions can either be clamped, simply supported or free. Engineering applications of levy plates are widely found in bridges, houses, marine structures, vehicular structures and airspace structures. In practice, almost all the rectangular plates engaged in the construction of these structures are classified as thin-walled structural components. Sequel to their thinness, the plates are often prone to large deformation in their engineering applications due to the influence of external disturbances. Consequently, the appropriate engineering analysis that is capable of simulating the actual response of thin rectangular plates to external disturbances must be the one formulated based on nonlinear mathematical model. However, the implication of using nonlinear mathematical model to determine the plate response is that the resulting nonlinear differential equations of equilibrium are likely going to impose complex mathematical challenges, and sometimes the closed-form solutions are absent. This problem is readily observed in the case of plates with mixed boundary conditions (majority of levy plates), which exhibit discontinuities in the edge supports [1].

For the fact that the resulting nonlinear differential equations from nonlinear method of analysis are tedious to tackle, approximation mathematical models have been developed to ameliorate the problem. Consequently, many of the investigators on large amplitude of vibrations of rectangular thin plates apply different approximation techniques to tackle the problem of nonlinear vibrations of thin rectangular plates.

1.1. Related works

Engineering analysis of thin rectangular plates based on large amplitude of vibrations has for decade now posed interesting and challenging research fields. A number of approximation techniques have been developed for the purposes of investigating into large amplitude of vibrations of thin rectangular plates. [2] used Herrmann equations of motion in Galerkin technique to study the effect of initially applied stress on the nonlinear vibrations of flat plate. Finite element methods were used by [3-5] to investigate into large amplitude of vibrations of rectangular plates. Analytical technique on dynamic analogue of Von Karman differential equations was employed by [6] to investigate the effect of initial geometric imperfections and in-plane boundary conditions on the large amplitude of vibrations of angle- and cross -ply rectangular thin plates. [7] used levy solutions to study the vibration behaviour of multi-span rectangular plates. A combination of static and dynamic method-problem solving was used by [8] to investigate geometrically nonlinear free vibration of square plates with various boundary conditions. Second order asymptotic method was employed by [9] to investigate the effect of geometric imperfections on the amplitude of nonlinear vibrations of thin rectangular plates that were parametrically excited. A multiple scale method was used by [10] to investigate the nonlinear vibration of rectangular plates. Mesh-free least squares-based finite difference method was used by [11] to investigate large amplitude of vibrations of arbitrarily shaped thin plates. [12] used first order finite element theory to study free vibration of composite plates. A combination of Hamilton principle and Galerkin method was used by [13] to investigate nonlinear dynamic response of a simply supported functionally graded rectangular plate under the time-dependent thermalmechanical loads. Also, [14] used finite strip formulation to study nonlinear free vibration of plates. Furthermore, [15] used analytical technique, numerical and experimental analysis to study vibration behaviour of laminated composite plates under thermo-mechanical loading. The Galerkin-Vlasov method was used by [16] to obtain solution of free harmonic vibration of simply supported Kirchhoff plate.

1.2. Statement of problem and objectives

The energy methods have been proven to be very powerful for solving structural problems, especially those ones subjected to large deformations and large amplitude of vibrations. In analytical energy approach, the commonest approximation techniques appearing in most technical literature are the Hamilton’s energy principle, the classical direct variational principle in Ritz method, and the residual energy method in Galerkin approach. Also, the most commonly used displacement functions are the trigonometric functions, either in the form of single or double Fourier series. There is need therefore, to explore other simple but accurate approximation techniques to be used in formulating energy functional for structural problems.

The primary objective of this study is to apply Weak-Form variational principle in formulating energy functional for nonlinear rectangular plate problem. The secondary objective is to develop and apply algebraic polynomial shape functions admissible to various levy plate boundary conditions.

2. Theoretical formulations

Fig. 1 shows a rectangular thin isotropic plate of levy type in which the edges x= 0 and x=a are parallel and simply supported.

The boundary conditions of the edges y= 0 and y=b are arbitrary; and each of them can either be clamped, simply supported or free. The plate is invariant in engineering properties of Young modulus E and Poisson’s ratio μ, and it has constant mass density ρ. The plate lateral dimensions are defined by a and b as the length and width respectively.

Fig. 1A rectangular plate showing at least two edges parallel and simply supported

A rectangular plate showing at least two edges parallel and simply supported

2.1. Formulation of energy functional

The Weak-form variational principle is used to formulate the energy functional of the plate problems. The plate is assumed to be thin; and it satisfies the integral function of Von Karman’s thin plate differential equations. The analogous Von Karman’s thin plate differential equations of motion are as expressed in Eqs. (1-2):

1
4w=1Dq+2Fy22wx2-22Fxy2wxy+2Fx22wy2-ρtw¨,
2
4F=Et2wxy2-2wx22wy2,

where E is Young modulus of plate materials; w is displacement functions; F is Airy’s stress functions; t is plate thickness; ρ is mass density of plate materials; q is uniformly applied lateral load; w¨ is second derivative of w with respect to time T; D is flexural rigidity of the plate

Let Vx,y be defined as weighting function which is admissible to boundary conditions of the levy plates. Then the variational statement is applied on the integral functions of Eq. (1) as expressed in Eq. (3):

3
0=0a0bVx,y4wx4+24wx2y2+4wy4-1Dq+2Fy22wx2-22Fxy2wxy+2Fx22wy2-ρtw¨dxdy,

where D is defined as expressed in Eq. (4):

4
D=Et3121-μ2,

where μ is Poisson’s ratio.

Let K be the reciprocal of D as given by Eq. (5):

5
K=1D.

Integration by parts is exercised on Eq. (3) to trade differentiation from w and F to Vx,y, and after simplification yields the expressions as given in Eq. (6):

6
0=0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2±2KF2Vxy2wxy±KF2Vy22wx2±KF2Vx22wy2-KVq+KVρtw¨dxdy +0a2VxMxy-VMyy+VyMy+2KFVxMxy+KVFyMx+2KVFMxyx-KFVyMx0bdx +0b-VMxx+VxMx-2VMxyy-KFVyMxy-KVFMxyy-2KVFyMxy-KFVxMy+KVFxMy0ady,

where:

7
V=Vx,y.

The expressions obtained in Eq. (6) contain three identically satisfied expressions: the functional of the plate problem, which is the integrand as contained in the squared bracket; and two natural boundary conditions, which are the integrands as contained in the curl brackets. These natural boundary conditions are identically satisfied at the boundary of the plate, and as such they are dropped in the further analysis in this work.

By assuming that the plate vibrates harmonically and performs sinusoidal time response, the inertia term is simplified, and the expression for the functional is as expressed in Eq. (8):

8
0=0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2±2KF2Vxy2wxy±KF2Vy22wx2±KF2Vx22wy2-KVq-KVρtω2wdxdy.

Furthermore, for a free vibration analysis, the lateral load q is disregarded so that Eq. (8) is simplified as expressed in Eq. (9):

9
0=0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2±2KF2Vxy2wxy±KF2Vy22wx2±KF2Vx22wy2-ω2MKVwdxdy,

where:

10
M=ρ*t.

The expression of Eq. (9) is a generic functional for dynamics of rectangular thin plates.

2.2. The boundary conditions

The analysis of geometrically nonlinear thin rectangular plates requires the consideration of both the out-of-plane and in-plane boundary conditions. In this study, the levy plates of simply supported-clamped-simply supported-clamped (SCSC), simply supported-clamped-simply supported-simply supported (SCSS), simply supported-simply supported-simply supported-simply supported (SSSS), simply supported-clamped-simply supported-free (SCSF), and simply supported-simply supported-simply supported-free (SSSF) rectangular plates respectively are considered. The general boundary conditions with respect to these rectangular plates are stated as given in Eq. (11-23) [17-19]:

The SCSC Rectangular plate:

11
u=v=w=w0=Nxy=Mx=Mxy=2w0x2=0, x=0,a,
12
u=v=w=w0=wy=w0y=0, y=0,b.

The SCSS rectangular plate:

13
u=v=w=w0=Nxy=Mx=Mxy=2w0x2=0, x=0,a,
14
u=v=w=w0=wy=w0y=0, y=0,
15
u=v=w=w0=Nyx=My=Myx=2w0y2=0, y=b.

The SSSS rectangular plate:

16
u=v=w=w0=Nxy=Mx=Mxy=2w0x2=0, x=0,a,
17
u=v=w=w0=Nyx=My=Myx=2w0y2=0, y=0,b.

The SCSF rectangular plate:

18
u=v=w=w0=Nxy=Mx=Mxy=2w0x2=0, x=0, a,
19
u=v=w=w0=wy=w0y=0, y=0,
20
My=Qy=Ny=Nyx=0, y=b.

The SSSF rectangular plate:

21
u=v=w=w0=Nxy=Mx=Mxy=2w0x2=0, x=0,a,
22
u=v=w=w0=wy=w0y=0, y=0,
23
My=Qy=Ny=Nyx=0, y=b.

2.3. Determination of specially energy functional

From the generic energy functional of Eq. (9), the specially energy functional with respect to any set of rectangular boundary conditions is determined by applying the general boundary conditions of Eq. (11-23). Thus, the specially energy functional (SEF) for SCSC rectangular plate is given as expressed in Eq. (24):

24
0=0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2+KF2Vxy2wxy+KF2Vy22wx2+KF2Vx22wy2-ω2MKVwdxdy.

The SEF for SCSS and SSSS rectangular plates is as given by Eq. (25):

25
0=0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2+KF2Vy22wx2+KF2Vx22wy2-ω2MKVwdxdy.

And the SEF for SCSF and SSSF rectangular plates is as given in Eq. (26):

26
0=0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2+KF2Vy22wx2-ω2MKVwdxdy.

2.4. Development of displacement functions

Fig. 2 shows a levy plate consisting of an idealized series of orthogonal beam network in x and y-directions. It is assumed that each beam element running along any coordinate direction is a good representative of other series of beam elements that run along the same direction.

Fig. 2A Levy plate showing a series of orthogonal beam network and deflection configurations

A Levy plate showing a series of orthogonal beam network and deflection configurations

Let wx and wy denote the algebraic polynomial displacement functions in x and y-directions as expressed in Eq. (27) and Eq. (28) respectively:

27
wx=i=0rcixi,
28
wy=j=0rdjyj,

where ci and dj are undetermined coefficients.

Numerically, it has been proven that a five-term polynomials provides necessary and sufficient satisfaction for completeness as shape functions for a beam element. Therefore, the value of r in the summation is four. The out-of-plane boundary conditions for clamped edge, simply supported edge and free edge are as expressed in Eq. (29), Eq. (30) and Eq. (31) respectively:

29
w,=w',=0,
30
w,=w'',=0,
31
w',=w'',=w''',=0,

where w, represents deflection function, w',, w'', and w''', represent first, second and third derivatives with respect to the coordinates respectively.

Suppose Fig. 2 depicts a levy plate of SCSC rectangular plate, then the deflection along x-direction is expressed as given in Eq. (32):

32
wx=co+c1x+c2x2+c3x3+c4x4.

By applying the boundary conditions of Eq. (30) in Eq. (32), and subsequently carrying out simplification, gives Eq. (33):

33
wx=c4*a4xa-2xa3+xa4.

However, to account for series of beam mode shapes running along y-direction, Eq. (33) is modified as shown in Eq. (34):

34
wx=c4*a4xam-2xam+2+xam+3.

Similarly suppose the edges Eqs. (2) and (4) of Fig. 2 are clamped, then the polynomial expression is as expressed in Eq. (35):

35
wy=do+d1y+d2y2+d3y3+d4y4.

By applying the boundary conditions of Eq. (29) in Eq. (35) and after simplifying, yields Eq. (36):

36
wy=d4*b4yb2-2yb3+yb4.

Also, to account for series of beam mode shapes running along x-direction, Eq. (36) is modified as shown in Eq. (37):

37
wy=d4*b4ybn+1-2ybn+2+ybn+3,

where m, n= 1, 2, 3, …

The rectangular plate static mode shape is the product of Eq. (34) and Eq. (37) as expressed in Eq. (38):

38
wx,y=Amnxam-2xam+2+xam+3ybn+1-2ybn+2+ybn+3,

where Amn is as expressed in Eq. (39):

39
Amn=c4*a4do*b4.

The parameter Amn is the amplitude of deflection function. Thus Eq. (38) is the static algebraic polynomial displacement function for SCSC rectangular plate. The same procedure is used to develop the static algebraic polynomial mode shapes for SCSS, SSSS, SCSF and SSSF rectangular plates; and they are as expressed in Eq. (40-43) respectively:

40
wx,y=Amnxam-2xam+2+xam+332ybn+1-52ybn+2+ybn+3,
41
wx,y=Amnxam-2xam+2+xam+3ybn-2ybn+2+ybn+3,
42
wx,y=Amnxam-2xam+2+xam+36ybn+1-4ybn+2+ybn+3,
43
wx,y=Amnxam-2xam+2+xam+32ybn-2ybn+2+ybn+3.

2.5. The stress function

One of the unknown parameters in the expression for the energy functional is the Airy’s stress function F. In this work, direct integration process on compatibility Eq. (2) is used to determine the expression for stress function. Thus, a repeated integration process on the right hand side of Eq. (2) is performed four times with respect to x-coordinate; and then four times with respect to y-coordinate as expressed in Eq. (44):

44
Fmn=x.x.x.x.y.y.y.y.2wmnxy2-2wmnx22wmny2,

where x.=dx andy.=dy; and for m= 1, 2 and n= 1, 2, 3.

In this study, the following designations for describing mode shapes are adopted: for m=n= 1, then w1,1 denotes the first mode shape; for m= 1 and n= 2, then w1,2 denotes the second mode shape; for m= 1 and n= 3, then w1,3 denotes the third mode shape; and for m= 2 and n= 2, then w2,2 denotes the fourth mode shape. For instance, at mode 1, the mode shape with respect to SCSC rectangular plate is as given in Eq. (45):

45
w1,1=A11xa1-2xa3+xa4yb2-2yb3+yb4.

Therefore, the corresponding algebraic stress function F11 with respect to SCSC rectangular plate evaluated using Eq. (44) is as expressed in Eq. (46):

46
F11=QA112x4y63175200x384-6y215+2-5+yy+36x414+3y-10+y10+-5+yy-42x214+y-24+y21+2-5+yy+10514+y-36+y39+4-5+yy-5x570+y-144+y141+14-5+yy+x670+y-144+y141+14-5+yy,

where Q is as expressed in Eq. (47):

47
Q=E*t.

At any specified mode, the corresponding stress function is determined by substituting the corresponding mode shape into compatibility equation of Eq. (2); and then integrated by using Eq. (44).

2.6. Determination of amplitude of deflection

The frequency of natural vibration is a function of the rigidity parameter of the plate; and under large deflection, the plate analysis is shifted from rigid to flexible plate analysis, and the frequency depends on how much the system deviates from equilibrium position (amplitude of deflection).

The amplitude of deflection Amn is an unknown parameter associated with the mode shape; and to determine the amplitude of deflection, the expression for mode shape is appropriately substituted into the energy functional equation. The inertia parameter in the energy equations of Eq. (24-26) is replaced with the lateral load parameter KVq.

In this work, the mode shapes to be considered for any given set of plate boundary conditions are w1,1, w1,2, w1,3 and w2,2; and the amplitudes of deflection to be determined are A11, A12, A13 and A22 respectively. It is assumed that the problem system is self-adjoint. Consequently, the weighting function V in the energy functional is interchanged with the deflection function w without loss in generality. For instance, by letting V=w1,1, the integral expression for evaluating the amplitude of deflection A11 for SCSC rectangular plate is as shown in Eq. (48):

48
0a0b2w1,1x22+22w1,1xy2+2w1,1y22+KF2w1,1xy2+2KF2w1,1x22w1,1y2dxdy=0a0bKqw1,1dxdy.

By carrying out double integration process and simplification on Eq. (48), an expression that simulates the Duffing’s type of equation is obtained as shown in Eq. (49):

49
1.3290873*10-8a4β4KQA113+0.0393651+0.0185034β2+0.00761907β4A11-0.0066667a4β4Kq=0,

where β=b/a. The solution of Eq. (49) yields three roots in terms of A11 which are characterized with two complex roots and a real root. The real root of Eq. (49) in terms of A11 is given as expressed in Eq. (50):

50
A11=-1.25992ξ1Z1+Z2+Z3ξ1313+ζ11.99059*107Z1+Z2+Z3ξ1313,

where:

51
ξ1=0.0393651+0.0185034β2+0.00761907β4,
52
Z1=3.17964*10-17a12K3qQ2β12,
53
Z2=1.01101*10-33a24K6q2Q4β24,
54
Z3=2.53561*10-22a12K3Q3β12,
55
ζ1=1a4KQβ4.

Thus, the expressions for A12, A13, and A22 are determined using the same procedure.

2.7. Determination of stiffness and mass matrices

The vibration of each mode shape of a rectangular plate consists of a product of two perpendicular motions in x and y-coordinates respectively. During natural vibrations, there exist modal interactions among different modes. Consequently, in this work, the mode shape w and the weighting function V are interactively combined to effect these modal interactions. Thus, to determine the natural frequencies, the expressions representing the energy functional of Eq. (24-26) are invoked and modified in accordance with these modal interactions as expressed in Eq. (56-58) respectively:

56
0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2+KFVFw2Vxy2wxy+KFVFw2Vy22wx2+KFVFw2Vx22wy2dxdy=ω2MK0a0bVwdxdy,
57
0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2+KFVFw2Vy22wx2+KFVFw2Vx22wy2dxdy=ω2MK0a0bVwdxdy ,
58
0a0b2Vx22wx2+22Vxy2wxy+2Vy22wy2+KFVFw2Vy22wx2dxdy=ω2MK0a0bVwdxdy,

where FV and Fw are the stress functions associated with mode shapes corresponding to weighting function and displacement function respectively. For instance, to determine the stiffness component k11 at first mode, let V=w=w1,1; to determine the stiffness component k21=k12, let V=w1,2 and w=w1,1; to determine the stiffness component k31=k13, let V=w1,3 and w=w1,1; to determine the stiffness component k41=k14, let V=w2,2 and w=w1,1 and so on. For instance, the mode shapes for SCSC plate are as expressed in Eqs. (59-62):

59
w1,1=A11xa-2xa3+xa4yb2-2yb3+yb4,
60
w1,2=A12xa-2xa3+xa4yb3-2yb4+yb5,
61
w1,3=A13xa-2xa3+xa4yb4-2yb5+yb6,
62
w2,2=A22xa2-2xa4+xa5yb3-2yb4+yb5.

Then the stiffness matrix for SCSC rectangular plate is determined using the expressions given in Eqs. (63-67):

63
0a0b2w1,1x22+22w1,1xy2+2w1,1y22+KF1122w1,1xy2+2KF1122w1,1x22w1,1y2dxdy=k11,
64
0a0b2w1,2x22w1,1x2+22w1,2xy2w1,1xy+2w1,2y22w1,1y2+KF12F112w1,2xy2w1,1xy+KF12F112w1,2y22w1,1x2+KF12F112w1,2x22w1,1y2dxdy=k21=k12,
65
0a0b2w1,3x22w1,1x2+22w1,3xy2w1,1xy+2w1,3y22w1,1y2+KF13F112w1,3xy2w1,1xy+KF13F112w1,3y22w1,1x2+KF13F112w1,3x22w1,1y2dxdy=k31=k13,
66
0a0b2w2,2x22w1,1x2+22w2,2xy2w1,1xy+2w2,2y22w1,1y2+KF22F112w2,2xy2w1,1xy+KF22F112w2,2y22w1,1x2+KF22F112w2,2x22w1,1y2dxdy=k41=k14,
67
0a0b2w2,2x22+22w2,2xy2+2w2,2y22+KF2222w2,2xy2+2KF2222w2,2x22w2,2y2dxdy=k44.

The resulting stiffness matrix is given as expressed in Eq. (68):

68
K=k11 k12 k13 k14k21 k22 k23 k24k31 k32 k33 k34k41 k42 k43 k44.

The same procedure is used to develop other required stiffness matrices for SCSS, SSSS, SCSF and SSSF respectively. In similar approach, the right hand side (RHS) of Eq. (56), Eq. (57) and Eq. (58) respectively will yield the mass matrices after due integration process. Thus, for SCSC rectangular plate, the mass matrix is determined by using expressions given in Eqs. (69-72):

69
ω2MK0a0bw1,12dxdy=b11,
70
ω2MK0a0bw1,2*w1,1dxdy=b21=b12,
71
ω2MK0a0bw1,3*w1,1dxdy=b31=b13 ,
72
ω2MK0a0bw2,22dxdy=b44.

The resulting mass matrix is as given in Eq. (73):

73
B=ω2b11 b12 b13 b14b21 b22 b23 b24b31 b32 b33 b34b41 b42 b43 b44MK.

The same approach is used to develop the mass matrices for SCSS, SSSS, SCSF and SSSF respectively.

3. Numerical evaluation and discussion of results

Natural vibrations of rectangular isotropic plates under geometrical nonlinearity are studied in this paper using weak-form variational principle. Numerical evaluations are required for adequate validation of the results of the present study with the results found in existing literature. The plate parameters used in this study are: E= 10.92 MPa, ρ= 100 kgm-3, μ= 0.3, a= 1.0 m, t= 0.01 m, b= open, and β=b/a ,which were previously used by [3, 11, 20, 21] in their separate studies using different approximation techniques. Thus, by using aspect ratio, β=1, these parameters were appropriately substituted and the numerical values for the elements in the stiffness matrix of Eq. (68) are as given in Eq. (74):

74
K=0.0632071 0.0415130 0.0221544 0.02892200.0415130 0.0419203 0.0288422 0.02925780.0221544 0.0288422 0.0235024 0.02014160.0289220 0.0292578 0.0201416 0.0293874.

Similarly, by substituting these parameters appropriately, the numerical values for the elements in the mass matrix of Eq. (73) are as given in Eq. (75):

75
B=ω27.46967 4.93073 2.62527 3.444054.93073 3.55067 2.02177 2.480092.62527 2.02177 1.21446 1.412183.44405 2.48009 1.41218 1.9609110-5.

In the matrix manipulation, suppose the difference between K and B is A, then:

76
A=K-B.

The determinant of A is thus:

77
detA=detK-B.

For nontrivial solution of the eigen-function, Eq. (77) is set equal to zero, as expressed in Eq. (78):

78
detK-B=0.

The expression of Eq. (78) can be simplified numerically by pre-multiplying Eq. (78) by the inverse of Eq. (75) as expressed in Eq. (79):

79
detB-1K-B-1B=0.

The result of the manipulation of Eq. (79) yields an expression as given in Eq. (80):

80
det1323.27-R-2441.512584.17-1723.73-1482.14( 4108.7-R)-13388.7177.2341468.96824.25118640.5-R 536.425-32.5375-9.94004 -2.26802(3915.67-R)=0,

where R is R=ω2.

The solution of the resulting quartic algebraic equation in terms of R and subsequently in terms of ω gives the nonlinear natural frequencies of vibration of the rectangular SCSC plate at aspect ratio equal to one. Therefore, by carrying out the same procedure with respect to each of the SCSS, SSSS, SCSF and SSSF rectangular plates respectively yields the desired natural frequencies for the respective rectangular plate up to first four lowest natural frequencies.

However, Table 1 presents the numerical values of the variation of the amplitudes of plate deflection with aspect ratios for the SCSC, SCSS, SSSS, SCSF and SSSF rectangular plates. The amplitudes of deflection are the measures of the rigidity characteristics of rectangular plates; and under geometrical nonlinearity of rectangular plates, these geometric characteristics shift from rigid to flexible plate conditions [21]. The amplitudes of deflection are strong parameters that affect the nonlinear flexural frequencies of rectangular plates based on large deflection.

From Table 1, it was observed that the amplitudes of deflection for the SCSC, SCSS, SSSS and SSSF rectangular plates exhibit hard-spring type with the aspect ratios; but with the exception of the amplitudes of deflection of the third mode of the SSSF rectangular plate boundary conditions, which exhibit soft-spring type. On the other hand, it was observed that the amplitudes of deflection for the SCSF rectangular plate boundary conditions exhibit entirely soft-spring type with the aspect ratios.

Also, Table 2 presents the numerical values of nonlinear natural frequencies for the SCSC, SCSS, SSSS, SCSF and SSSF rectangular plates based on the above given plate parameters at various aspect ratios.

Table 1Variation of amplitudes of deflection with aspect ratios

Boundary condition
Amplitude of deflection, Amn
Mode
Aspect ratio, β
β= 0.25
β= 0.50
β= 0.75
β= 1.0
β= 1.25
β= 1.50
SCSC
A11
0.0063
0.0919
0.3960
0.9779
1.6535
2.1545
A12
0.0074
0.1102
0.4925
1.2911
2.3935
3.4001
A13
0.0064
0.0974
0.4527
1.2603
2.5691
4.1174
A22
0.0130
0.1863
0.7711
1.8036
3.0012
4.0434
SCSS
A11
0.0061
0.0824
0.3160
0.6845
1.0382
1.2800
A12
0.0054
0.0760
0.3106
0.7364
1.2454
1.6731
A13
0.0032
0.0477
0.2116
0.5574
1.0770
1.6642
A22
0.0094
0.1242
0.4556
0.9455
1.4380
1.8363
SSSS
A11
0.0057
0.0664
0.2121
0.3788
0.4955
0.5639
A12
0.0034
0.0466
0.1837
0.4140
0.6552
0.8314
A13
0.0020
0.0287
0.1253
0.3220
0.6009
0.8879
A22
0.0059
0.0750
0.2604
0.5091
0.7352
0.9036
SCSF
A11
11.4724
4.2488
2.8316
2.3019
2.0428
1.8960
A12
4.8839
1.6481
1.0031
0.7499
0.6163
0.5327
A13
7.1802
2.1422
1.1845
0.8296
0.6509
0.5432
A22
9.8596
3.6792
2.4892
2.0541
1.8455
1.7292
SSSF
A11
0.0159
0.1105
0.2136
0.2743
0.3065
0.3247
A12
0.0116
0.0926
0.2107
0.3089
0.3768
0.4218
A13
15.2944
5.3778
3.3720
2.5797
2.1637
1.9087
A22
0.0181
0.1085
0.1924
0.2425
0.2713
0.2887

Table 2The numerical values of nonlinear natural frequencies of isotropic levy plates at various aspect ratios

Boundary condition
Nonlinear natural frequency, (rad/sec)
Mode
Aspect ratio, β
β= 0.25
β= 0.50
β= 0.75
β= 1.0
β= 1.25
β= 1.50
SCSC
ω11
363.497
95.2656
45.9213
29.0854
23.2362
22.5013
ω12
473.004
139.173
80.9642
62.6300
50.0136
42.5369
ω13
1013.780
258.712
118.987
70.3803
56.2073
60.022
ω22
2049.33
517.789
234.221
135.156
90.7409
71.5289
SCSS
ω11
254.198
69.3414
35.3535
23.7843
19.653
19.2091
ω12
366.991
118.946
75.0828
60.2854
42.7581
33.7225
ω13
838.929
215.700
100.381
60.6915
54.8403
53.8604
ω22
2058.11
520.456
235.745
136.163
90.1307
66.3526
SSSS
ω11
167.815
49.357
27.454
20.5135
19.3654
19.5027
ω12
315.027
106.266
69.7313
54.209
40.8385
33.850
ω13
713.114
185.143
87.458
57.9053
54.0947
56.3444
ω22
1862.55
471.88
214.423
124.733
82.6781
59.174
SCSF
ω11
47.7087
19.6398
14.874
14.3069
13.9204
13.471
ω12
116.163
59.5027
43.8963
35.6418
35.2985
35.6283
ω13
267.400
78.6609
50.5387
48.853
54.5767 – 0.8225i
53.918 – 5.7295i
ω22
991.382
257.027
122.055
76.6943
54.5767 + 0.8225i
53.918 + 5.7295i
SSSF
ω11
0 + 10472.4i
0 + 2588.97i
0 + 1531.26i
0 + 1194.23i
0 + 1044.08i
0 + 965.899i
ω12
42.6735
18.8572
14.1528
12.7282
12.169
11.7224
ω13
103.498
58.4575
45.4109
33.2682
31.362
33.8029
ω22
305.628
86.0388
50.3588
47.5902
46.406
45.960

From Table 2, it was observed that the nonlinear natural frequencies for the levy plates under investigation exhibit soft-spring type with aspect ratios, except at the third modes of SCSC and SSSS rectangular plates, which deviated from the norm at aspect ratios 1.25 and 1.5 respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that the SCSF rectangular plate boundary conditions yielded positive real-valued complex conjugate nonlinear natural frequencies at the third and fourth modes in the vicinity of aspect ratios of 1.25 and 1.5 respectively. This exposition significantly doubts the stability of the SCSF rectangular plate boundary conditions at third and fourth modes at aspect ratio greater or equal to 1.25 based on the existence of high positive value of the real part of the complex conjugates. However, at aspect ratios less than or equal to 1.0, the SCSF rectangular plate boundary conditions yielded distinct positive nonlinear natural frequencies at the same third and fourth modes respectively. This exposition signifies that within the vicinity of the identified aspect ratios, the SCSF rectangular plate is stable at the third and fourth modes respectively. Also, from Table 2, it was observed that the SSSF rectangular plate boundary conditions yielded positive pure imaginary nonlinear natural frequencies at the first mode for all the selected aspect ratios, which means that the SSSF plate boundary conditions exhibits critical behaviour at the first mode, otherwise it is said to be merely stable. This exposition signifies that in the geometrically nonlinear dynamic analysis of SSSF rectangular plate boundary conditions using modal combination approach, the fundamental nonlinear frequency is sought at second mode instead of the first mode vis-à-vis the linear fundamental frequency of the plate boundary conditions.

Table 3 presents the comparison of the nonlinear fundamental frequencies of the present study’s results with the results found in literature. However, the restriction to the use of only the nonlinear fundamental frequencies for the comparison was due to the non-availability of the results for higher mode nonlinear natural frequencies in almost all the literature reviewed.

Table 3Comparison of Nonlinear fundamental frequencies with results found in literature (β= 1)

Plate properties
Boundary condition
Investigator
Fundamental frequency (rad/s)
Percentage error
E= 10.92 MPa;
ρ= 100 kg/m3
μ= 0.3
a= 1.0 m
b= 1.0 m
t= 0.01 m
SCSC
Present study
29.0854
[20]
29.1873
0.349
[3]
29.2315
0.500
[11]
29.2627
0.606
SSSS
Present study
20.5135
[20]
20.0990
–2.062
[3]
20.0916
–2.100
[11]
20.0818
–2.150
SCSS
Present study
23.7843
[20]
24.0308
1.026
[3]
24.0113
0.943
[11]
23.9717
0.782
E= 30 GPa
ρ= 25 kg/m3
μ= 0.3
a= 10 m
b= 10 m
t= 0.2 m
SSSS
Present study
422.785
[23]
421.3570
–0.339
SCSF
Present study
293.666
[23]
295.1590
0.506
SSSF
Present study
261.982
[23]
261.2294
–0.288

From Table 3, it was observed from columns 4 and 5 that the present study’s results exhibit lower-bound with respect to the results found in literature for the SCSC, SCSS and SCSF rectangular plates respectively. But in the case of SSSS and SSSF rectangular plates, the present study’s results exhibit upper-bound with respect to the results found in literature. Also, from column 5 of Table 3, the calculated absolute mean percentage error is 0.186, which shows that the present study’s results are in good agreement with the results found in literature.

4. Conclusions

This paper evaluates the nonlinear natural frequencies for Levy plates using weak-form variational principle in algebraic orthogonal polynomial displacement functions. The nonlinear fundamental frequencies evaluated in this work are in good agreement with the results found in literature that were evaluated using other approximation techniques such as the finite element methods. Therefore, it is here-upon concluded that the efficacy of weak-form variational principle technique in dynamic analysis of Levy plates is very satisfactory vis-à-vis other approximation techniques. Also, it is here-unto concluded that the use of algebraic polynomial shape functions in vibration analysis of Levy plates yields satisfactory approximations to all the boundary conditions of the plates. Furthermore, it was observed in this work that the nonlinear natural frequencies for SCSF rectangular plate boundary conditions in the third and fourth modes exhibited positive real valued complex conjugates at aspect ratios 1.25 and 1.50 respectively. Thus, it is here concluded that at aspect ratio greater than or equal to 1.25 in the third and fourth modes respectively, the motions of vibration of SCSF rectangular plate are not stable under geometrically nonlinear conditions. Also, it was observed that the nonlinear natural frequencies in the first mode at various aspect ratios for SSSF rectangular plate exhibited positive pure imaginary values. The exposition here shows that at first mode, the nonlinear motion of vibration for SSSF rectangular plate under modal combination analysis is pole centred, otherwise it is said to exhibit critical behaviour or it is merely stable at the first mode. Therefore, it is here concluded that using modal combination analysis, the nonlinear fundamental frequency for SSSF rectangular plate is ought to be sought in the second mode instead of the usual first mode.

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About this article

Received
06 December 2019
Accepted
17 December 2019
Published
31 December 2019
Keywords
algebraic polynomial
amplitude of deflection
energy functional
levy plate
nonlinear natural frequency
weak-form
variational principle