Free Vibration of Bio-inspired Composite Circular Plates—An Annual Ring Model

This paper portrays the natural frequencies and mode shapes of composite circular plate being inspired from the construction of annual rings at stem of the tree. This bio-inspired concentric circular orientation of fibers unlike annual ring model can be utilized as structural components of engineering systems. Each layer of concentric circular fibers indicates the growth per annum. In present study, the simple concentric circular annual ring geometry is considered wherein the annual rings are idealized to construct each layer by graphite-fibers bonded together with epoxy resin in between the subsequent layers. Considering full clamped (FC) and half clamped (HC) boundary conditions, the first five natural frequencies are obtained and the corresponding mode shapes are plotted. The advantages of adopting these novel nature-inspired composites are compared with the conventional laminated composites.