Natural Frequency Analysis of Composite Skew Plates with Embedded Shape Memory Alloys in Thermal Environment

In this study, free vibration analysis of laminated composite skew plates with embedded shape memory alloys under thermal loads is presented. The plates are assumed to be made of NiTi/Graphite/ Epoxy with temperature-dependent properties. The thermo-mechanical behavior of shape memory alloy wires is predicted by employing one-dimensional Brinson’s model. The governing equations are derived based on first-order shear deformation theory and solved using generalized differential quadrature technique as an efficient and accurate numerical tool. Some examples are provided to show the accuracy and efficiency of the applied numerical method by comparing the present results with those available in the literature. A parametric study is carried out to demonstrate the influence of skew angle, pre-strain and volume fraction of shape memory alloys, temperature, and stacking sequence of layers on the natural frequencies of the structure. Results represent that shape memory alloys can change the vibrational characteristics of shape memory alloy hybrid composite skew plates by a considerable amount. The numerical results also reveal that the effect of shape memory alloy wires on natural frequencies of composite plates with simply supported boundaries is higher than those with clamped boundaries.