Buckling and free vibration analysis of orthotropic plates by using exponential shear deformation theory

Abstract

In the present paper, an exponential shear deformation theory is used to determine the natural frequencies and critical buckling loads of orthotropic plates. The theory accounts for a parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains across the thickness, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. The in-plane displacement field uses an exponential function in terms of thickness coordinate to include the effect of shear deformation and rotary inertia. Governing equations and boundary conditions are derived from the dynamic version of principle of virtual work. The Navier type solution is employed for solving the governing equations of simply supported square orthotropic plates. The results obtained using present higher order shear deformation theory are found to be agree well with those obtained by other several existing higher order theories for analyzing the buckling and free vibration behaviour of orthotropic plates.