Free vibration analysis of plate assemblies using dynamic stiffness method

In this paper, the Dynamics Stiffness Method, which yields “exact” results for a certain class of plate structures, is applied to analyze free vibration of rectangular plates perpendicularly assembled. In order to obtain necessary results, the transformation matrices have been developed for three characteristic positions of rectangular plates. Numerical example is conducted for so-called L plate, consisting of two plates perpendicularly connected. In addition, numerical example is also conducted for so-called box, consisting of six rectangular plates perpendicularly connected. All plates have the same geometrical and mechanical properties. The accuracy of the results obtained by the Dynamics Stiffness Method is verified by comparing them with the solutions obtained by conventional Finite Element Method. The convergence of the computed natural frequencies is found to be rapid and excellent