Theoretical thermoelastic frequency prediction of multi (uni/bi) directional graded porous panels and experimental verification

A novel finite element algorithm has been developed to analyse the eigenvalue characteristics of porous functionally graded (FG) curved panel under a thermal environment, considering the material gradings along the length and thickness, i.e. unidirectional (1D) and bidirectional (2D). In this research, exponential (EN), sigmoid (SM) and power-law (PL) gradings and porosity variations, i.e. even (POT-I) and uneven (POT-II), are adopted. The finite element (FE) computational algorithm has been prepared using a mathematical model of the FG panel based on the higher-order theory (HSDT). The structural governing equation is derived via Hamilton's principle and solved numerically (FE solutions) to predict the eigenvalues. The obtained solution's convergence is verified to establish the necessary stability. The difference between the present and published results is below 3.7%, and that between the present and experimental results is under 9.1%, which shows the accuracy of the developed model. A few natural fibre-reinforced (linearly varying through the thickness) polymeric layered FG plates are prepared for experimental validation. Finally, regarding the applicability of the proposed computational FE algorithm, a few parametric studies have been conducted to examine the effect of input variables on the thermal frequencies of the graded panel.

Automated summary

A novel finite element algorithm is developed to analyze the eigenvalue characteristics of porous functionally graded curved panels under thermal conditions. The algorithm considers material grading along the length and thickness, including unidirectional and bidirectional gradings. The algorithm uses a mathematical model based on the higher-order theory to solve the structural governing equation and predict the eigenvalues. Experimental validation is performed on natural fiber-reinforced polymeric layered FG plates with linearly varying properties. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of input variables on the thermal frequencies of the graded panel.