Nonlinear vibration of an initially stressed laminated plate according to a higher-order theory

The nonlinear behavior of laminated plates in a general state of non-uniform initial stress was studied at large vibration amplitudes. The nonlinear governing equations of this study were derived using a higher-order theory approach. The results were compared with the Mindlin plate theory’s results. The results showed that the higher-order shear deformation terms had a significant influence on the plate in a large amplitude vibration when the thickness ratio decreases and the plate was stacked with less layers. In addition, the effect of Young’s modulus in the thickness direction on the frequency ratio was significant for the two-layered plate. However, the results of the four-layered plates were not affected too much.