Dynamic Stability of Laminated Composite Curved Panels with Cutouts

The present investigation deals with the dynamic stability behavior of laminated composite curved panels with cutouts subjected to in-plane static and periodic compressive loads, analyzed using the finite element method. A generalized shear deformable Sandersʹ theory with tracers is used in this study. Numerical results obtained for vibration and buckling of composite panels with cutouts compare well with literature. The principal dynamic instability region of composite perforated panels is obtained using Bolotinʹs approach. The study reveals that curved panels with cutouts depict higher stiffness with the addition of curvatures. The laminated hyperbolic paraboloid panel shows the highest stiffness with the onset of instability at higher excitation frequencies. The effect of curvature in laminated composite curved panels is reduced with an increase in size of the cutout. The principal instability regions are influenced by the lamination parameters. Thus, the laminate construction, coupled with cutout geometry, can be used to the advantages of tailoring during design of composite structures for practical applications.