Finite element evaluation of free vibration characteristics of magneto-electro-elastic rectangular plates in hygrothermal environment using higher-order shear deformation theory

Abstract

In this article, the effect of hygrothermal environment on the free vibration characteristics of magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) plates has been studied using finite element method. To this end, higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) has been employed to assess the displacement fields. Further, using Hamilton's principle and linear coupled constitutive equations of MEE material, the final equilibrium equations for free vibration behaviour of MEE plate in hygrothermal environment has been derived. A special attention has been paid to evaluate the effect of temperature and moisture dependent elastic coefficients on the natural frequencies. The results reveal that the external temperature and moisture fields predominantly affect the stiffness of the plate and hence alter the free vibration characteristics drastically. It is believed that the results presented in this study are useful for the precise design of sensors and actuators in hygrothermal environment. 2018 Elsevier Ltd