Modal analysis of FG sandwich doubly curved shell structure

The modal frequency responses of functionally graded (FG) sandwich doubly curved shell panels are investigated using a higher-order finite element formulation. The system of equations of the panel structure derived using Hamilton’s principle for the evaluation of natural frequencies. The present shell panel model is discretised using the isoparametric Lagrangian element (nine nodes and nine degrees of freedom per node). An in-house MATLAB code is prepared using higher-order kinematics in association with the finite element scheme for the calculation of modal values. The stability of the opted numerical vibration frequency solutions for the various shell geometries i.e., single and doubly curved FG sandwich structure are proven via the convergence test. Further, close conformance of the finite element frequency solutions for the FG sandwich structures is found when compared with the published theoretical predictions (numerical, analytical and 3D elasticity solutions). Subsequently, appropriate numerical examples are solved pertaining to various design factors (curvature ratio, core-face thickness ratio, aspect ratio, support conditions, power-law index and sandwich symmetry type) those have the significant influence on the free vibration modal data of the FG sandwich curved structure.