Eigen-frequency analysis of spherical shell laminated composite plates with and without central cutouts using finite elements

This article presents the free vibration responses of spherical shell laminated composite panels (SSLCP) without and with central cutouts (square, circular and rectangular) using finite elements. The SSLCP midplane kinematics has been modeled using ABAQUS commercial finite element tool in the framework of first order shear deformation theory. Firstly, the validity of the present model is established by comparing the present natural frequencies values with the available benchmark results. Subsequently, the influence of both varying and constant aspect ratio for different central cutouts on the natural frequencies of SSLCP are investigated by solving appropriate numerical examples and findings are discussed in detail. The results are given in the form of tables and figures.