Three-Dimensional Free Vibration Analysis of Cross-Ply Laminated Rectangular Plates through 2D and Exact Models

In this article, an analytical 2D model describing freely vibrating multilayered plates is presented and subsequently validated through the comparison with exact results. The model completely takes the relevant equations of the three-dimensional theory into account and is based on a single-layer formulation. Although any combination of classical edge boundary conditions can be taken into account, the validation is carried out within the frame of simply supported plates for which an exact analysis is possible. The comparisons regard eigenvalues displacement and stress fields. The comparisons show the capability of the 2D model to approach exact results; results are provided for future comparisons.