Geometrically-exact, intrinsic theory for dynamics of moving composite plates

A geometrically-exact and fully intrinsic theory is presented for dynamics of composite plates undergoing large deformation. To say that the formulation is intrinsic means that it is without displacement and rotation variables. Although the equations are geometrically-exact, the highest degree nonlinearities are quadratic; there are no singularities associated with finite rotation. Methods for posing problems in this framework along with advantages of the formulation are discussed.