On wave propagation and energy flux in thin transversely isotropic plates (Q1060611)

A thin, unidirectionally reinforced, composite plate is considered and modelled as a transversely isotropic linear elastic plate. The structure is subjected to an oscillating load perpendicular to the plane of the plate at a central point. The resulting transverse (bending) waves are studied. Theoretical calculations using asymptotic expansions of the three-dimensional basic equations are presented. With the help of analytical solutions based on Fourier-transform techniques, calculated constant-phase lines, amplitude decay and energy flux are shown to be in good agreement with experiments performed on a thin unidirectionally reinforced plate made of carbon-fibre prepregs.