Dynamic stiffness elements and their applications for plates using first order shear deformation theory

Dynamic stiffness elements for plates are developed using first order shear deformation theory to carry out exact free vibration analysis of plate assemblies. The analysis has been facilitated by the application of Hamiltonian mechanics and symbolic computation. The Wittrick–Williams algorithm has been used as the solution technique. Results have been extensively validated using published literature for both uniform and non-uniform plates. Some finite element results are also provided. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the method are demonstrated. In the final part of the investigation, significant plate parameters are varied and their subsequent effects on the free vibration characteristics are studied.