Abstract
In this paper the vibration characteristics of rectangular, symmetric composite sandwich plates and the layup optimization of their laminated FRP composite faces are examined. The honeycomb core is modeled as a thick plate whose transverse shear deformation is taken into consideration based on a higher-order shear deformation theory, and the top and bottom FRP faces are modeled as a very thin sheet. A two-dimensional finite element method is developed using an eight-node isoparametric element. First, the fundamental frequency of the composite sandwich plate is discussed in the subspace of four in-plane lamination parameters of the FRP face. Next, the layup optimization of the FRP face for maximizing the fundamental frequency of the composite sandwich plate is performed by a nonlinear mathematical programming method, and the optimum laminate configuration of the FRP face is determined.
