The effect of stacking sequence on the vibration of laminated composite plates

Laminated composite plates, consisting of multiple layers with strategically arranged fiber orientations, are advanced structural materials known for their high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent stiffness, making them essential in dynamic load-bearing applications such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and structural engineering. This thesis examines the dynamic behavior, specifically the natural frequencies and vibration modes, of such plates under various fiber orientations and stacking sequences using a comprehensive numerical approach. A total of random 250 plate models were developed using a Python-scripted automation process within the ANSYS MAPDL finite element environment, varying only internal structural parameters—fiber orientation and stacking sequence—while keeping material properties, plate dimensions, boundary conditions, and mesh structures constant. Each model was configured as a square panel with simply supported edges, exploring fiber orientation angles of 0°, ±30°, ±45°, ±60°, and ±90°, encompassing symmetric, antisymmetric, and orthotropic configurations. For each setup, the first four natural frequencies were computed, with results systematically presented in tabular and graphical formats. Also, it was determined that there was no linear relationship between the number of layers and modal frequencies. Each additional layer did not contribute to the dynamic behaviour at the same rate, and that this relationship varied depending on the orientation angle. The study offers valuable design guidelines for vibration-sensitive applications, presenting a structured and data-driven contribution to the prediction and optimization of modal behavior in laminated composite plates. Keywords: ANSYS MAPDL, Composite optimization, Fiber orientation, Laminated composite plates, Modal analysis, Natural frequencies, Structural Dynamics.