Natural Frequencies and Mode Shapes of Clamped Stiffened Composite Conoids with Cutouts

Abstract

Natural frequency and mode shapes of clamped stiffened composite conoidal shells with cutout are analyzed using finite element code developed for the purpose by combining an eight noded curved shell element with a three noded curved beam element. The code is validated by solving benchmark problems available in the literature and comparing the results. The size of the cutouts and their positions with respect to the shell centre are varied for crossply and angle-ply laminated composite conoids. The effects of these parametricvariations on the fundamental frequencies and mode shapes are considered to help practicing engineers dealing with stiffened composite conoids with cutouts central or eccentric.