Optimal design of a composite-material plate to maximize its fundamental frequency

A rationale is presented for determining the optimal laminate design for a thin plate consisting of multiple layers of equi-thickness composite material. The optimal design criterion is maximization of the fundamental frequency of small-amplitude, free flexural vibration. The rationale is applied to simply supported rectangular plates of carbon-fiberre-inforced plastic (CFRP) as a function of plate aspect ratio. Furthermore, comparative optimal frequency data are given for plates of three practically important plate aspect ratios and laminated of four unidirectional filament-reinforced composite materials: all having epoxy matrices and fibers of boron (BFRP), carbon (CFRP), glass (GFRP) and organic fiber (OFRP).