Free vibration analysis of laminated composite hybrid and GFRP shells based on higher order zigzag theory with experimental validation

Free vibration response behavior of laminated composite hybrid and Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) shells is analyzed using a modified higher order zigzag theory (HOZT). The laminated shell model is developed by considering the thickness co-ordinate to radius of curvature ratio (z/R) as well as zero shear conditions at free surfaces of the shell. The C0 finite element formulations with nine-noded quadrilateral isoparametric shell element having seven degrees of freedom per node are adopted to compute the natural frequency of the shells. The hybrid laminate is modeled by placing carbon fibers in the outermost layers and glass fibers in the rest to improve the flexural behavior of the shell. Experimental studies are performed to find out the mechanical properties of hybrid and GFRP laminates such as Young modulus, shear modulus and poison's ratio. The experimental procedure of free vibration is carried out by Bruel & Kjaer (B&K) modal analysis instruments along with RT Pro modal analysis software and the results are compared with the theoretical findings. Moreover the present theoretical results have been examined by comparing with 2D solutions as well as 3D elasticity solutions available in the published literature to verify the accuracy of the present HOZT. An extensive parametric study on laminated composite hybrid and GFRP shells with various laminations is undertaken to investigate the effect of reinforcement scheme on the free vibration behavior of such laminated shells. •Free vibration behavior of GFRP and hybrid laminated shells has been studied numerically and experimentally.•A new higher order zigzag theory has been introduced for the analysis.•The laminated shell model is developed considering the z/R ratio of shell.•An extensive parametric study on free vibration of GFRP and hybrid shell is carried out.