Vibration analysis of delaminated composite beams and plates using a higher-order finite element

In order to analyze the vibration response of delaminated composite plates of moderate thickness, a FEM model based on a simple higher-order plate theory, which can satisfy the zero transverse shear strain condition on the top and bottom surfaces of plates, has been proposed in this paper. To set up a C0-type FEM model, two artificial variables have been introduced in the displacement field to avoid the higher-order derivatives in the higher-order plate theory. The corresponding constraint conditions from the two artificial variables have been enforced effectively through the penalty function method using the reduced integration scheme within the element area. Furthermore, the implementation of displacement continuity conditions at the delamination front has been described using the present FEM theory. Various examples studied in many previous researches have been employed to verify the justification, accuracy and efficiency of the present FEM model. The influences of delamination on the vibration characteristic of composite laminates have been investigated. Especially the variation of ‘curvature of vibration mode’ (i.e., the second-order differential of deflections in vibration mode) caused by delamination has been studied in detail to provide valuable information for the possible identification of delamination. Furthermore, two approaches have been investigated to detect a delamination in laminates by employing this information.