Free vibrations analysis of cracked variable stiffness composite plates by the eXtended Ritz method

Variable stiffness composite laminates show advantageous structural features related to their enlarged design space. They are attractive candidates for advanced engineering applications where the assessment of static and dynamic behavior strength in presence cracks is often required. In present work, a single-domain extended Ritz formulation proposed study free vibrations cracked variable plates. The plate model based on first-order shear deformation theory whose primary variable, i.e. displacements rotations, approximated via set orthogonal polynomial trial functions enriched with special crack functions. These able inherently account opening tip singular fields. governing equations deduced by stationarity energy functional has been implemented computer code. method validated comparing results literature solutions isotropic plates uncracked as, best author’s knowledge, no data available. An explicative representative angle tow finally presented aim illustrating approach capabilities, providing benchmarck identifying distinctive opportunities concept damage tolerant structures.