ABSTRACT
The objective of this work is to study the dynamic behavior of thin flat rectangular
composite plates when subjected to static loads. A program for calculating the load at
first ply fracture was made to estimate the maximum loads that can be carried by
each specimen. The natural frequencies of the plate, using finite element program
(ANSYS) are obtained considering the fractions of these failure loads. The static
deflection corresponding to the applied static loading changes the assumption of
straight flat plate to a curved one. An experimental modal test was made to verify the
finite element technique. The comparison between numerical and experimental
results is carried out. The effect of combined load on the natural frequencies for
composite plates with different fiber types, different fiber orientations and at different
load locations are estimated.