Local and global nonlinear dynamics of a parametrically excited rectangular symmetric cross-ply laminated composite plate

The present investigation deals with nonlinear dynamic behavior of a parametrically excited simply supported rectangular symmetric cross-ply laminated composite thin plate for the first time. The governing equation of motion for rectangular symmetric cross-ply laminated composite thin plate is derived by using von Karman equation. The geometric nonlinearity and nonlinear damping are included in the governing equations of motion. The Galerkin approach is used to obtain a two-degree-of-freedom nonlinear system under parametric excitation. The method of multiple scales is utilized to transform the second-order non-autonomous differential equations to the first-order averaged equations. Using numerical method, the averaged equations are analyzed to obtain the steady state bifurcation responses. The analysis of stability for steady state bifurcation responses in laminated composite thin plate is also given. Under certain conditions laminated composite thin plate may have two or multiple steady state bifurcation solutions. Jumping phenomenon occurs in the steady state bifurcation solutions. The chaotic motions of rectangular symmetric cross-ply laminated composite thin plate are also found by using numerical simulation. The results obtained here demonstrate that the periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic motions coexist for a parametrically excited fore-edge simply supported rectangular symmetric cross-ply laminated composite thin plate under certain conditions.