Dynamic Analysis of Tapered Plates Based on Higher Order Beam Theory

Modal solutions of plates with uniformly varying cross section using unified beam theory are presented. The results are given in the form of Euler-Bernoulli, Timoshenko and quasi 3D solutions. Numerical results for cantilever and CFCF supported rectangular planform plates are presented. Different types of modes, i.e. axial, bending and torsional modes are observed. The frequency values are in good agreement with 3D finite element results as well as published literature. Due to uniform taper in plate cross section, bending vibration modes become asymmetric along the longitudinal axis of the structure. Further, it can also be noticed that the vibration behavior of thick tapered plates is characterized by the appearance of significant number of axial and torsional modes at lower frequency values.