A decoupled modal analysis for nonlinear dynamics of an orthotropic thin laminate in a simply supported boundary condition subject to thermal mechanical loading

In this paper, we analyze the nonlinear dynamic response of an orthotropic laminate in a simply supported boundary condition subject to thermal and mechanical loading. The equation of motion for the laminate’s deflection is obtained in a decoupled Duffing equation by means of a Galerkin-type method without Berger’s approximations. The Duffing equation incorporates an arbitrary thermal field, with both the in-plane and transverse temperature variations in a steady-state and a transient state. The formulation indicates that the transverse temperature variation produces an additional pressure load, while the in-plane temperature variation affects the system frequency. The equation allows for characterization of the laminate behaviors in nonlinear thermal buckling, thermal vibration and thermal mechanical response.