High-frequency vibration analysis of laminated composite plates using energy flow and shear deformation theories

Energy Flow Analysis (EFA) is an efficient approach for characterizing high-frequency vibrations through time-averaged energy density distributions. This study employs EFA to investigate vibroacoustic behavior in laminated composite plates subjected to high-frequency excitation. Governing equations of motion are derived using Classical Plate Theory (CPT), First Order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT), and Higher Order Shear Deformation Theories (HSDT). Wave propagation parameters like wave number and group velocity are obtained from each theory and compared to assess accuracy. Energy density and intensity formulations are then developed based on classical solutions of the governing equations. EFA analysis indicates that HSDT provides more accurate predictions of wave parameters, especially at very high frequencies where it accounts better for shear deformation effects. Validation against classical energy density solutions shows acceptable accuracy with less than 0.5dB difference in the far-field. Comparisons further demonstrate the superiority of HSDT over FSDT for thicker plates in both classical and EFA analyses. This research establishes the effectiveness of EFA for high-frequency vibration analysis of composite laminates. The main novelty of this research lies in the integration of HSDT into the application of EFA for composite laminates, providing a more precise consideration of shear deformation effects at high frequencies. Specifically, HSDT enhances modeling of critical shear deformation effects at elevated frequencies. EFA delivers computationally efficient solutions while maintaining acceptable accuracy, improving characterization and design of composite structures under high-frequency loading.