Wave propagation analysis in laminated composite periodic frame structures using spectral finite element method

Abstract

In this article, wave propagation in a one-dimensional (1-D) composite periodic frame structure is analyzed using spectral finite elements (SFE) method together with Bloch’s theorem. Each element in the periodic frame structure is modeled as a first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) beam element and wave equations for the beam elements are derived using FSDT considering axial, flexural, and shear deformations. Next, these equations are solved using the frequency domain SFE method to obtain an elemental dynamic stiffness matrix which on assembly gives the dynamic stiffness matrix for the unit cell of the periodic structure. A polynomial eigenvalue problem is formulated thereafter using Bloch’s theorem to evaluate the dispersion coefficients and wave amplitude ratios. Finally, the entire periodic frame is modeled as homogenized two-noded elements capturing the wave response of the PS with a drastic reduction in computational cost. The results obtained using the present method are validated with finite element simulation using ANSYS mechanical Ansys Parametric Design Language (APDL). The frequency band gaps observed in the frequency domain responses are investigated and corroborated with those predicted by the dispersion relations. This is followed by a detailed parametric study on the influence of different parameters on the band gap characteristics. The present method provides a scheme of wave propagation analysis of composite periodic frames with substantial computational efficiency.