FREE VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF CANTILEVER PLATES WITH STEP DISCONTINUITIES IN PROPERTIES BY THE METHOD OF SUPERPOSITION

Utilizing the superposition method, an analytical type solution is obtained for the free vibration eigenvalues and mode shapes of a cantilever plate with step discontinuities in plate properties. Property discontinuity lines run parallel to the clamped edge of the plate. Verification tests are performed for limiting cases by comparing computed eigenvalues with known eigenvalues for plates with uniform properties. Very good agreement is also obtained when computed results are compared with those obtained experimentally utilizing a test plate with discontinuities in thickness. Computed eigenvalues and mode shapes are presented for the benefit of other researchers. Besides the general interest, the problem has an application in the modelling of certain multi-story buildings during seismic studies.