LAUSR

Abstract The free vibration characteristics of the variable stiffness composite laminated plates containing embedded cutout of desired shapes is investigated. The circular, elliptical and quadrilateral perforation geometries are taken into account. In order to provide a strongly flexible calculation tool, an isogeometric analysis formulation based on the non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) along with the Nitsche technique is developed based on the first order shear deformation plate theory. The effects of change in the mechanical properties of tow steered laminates throughout the geometry due to fibers following prescribed curvilinear paths are taken into account in the integration procedures. The accuracy and reliability of the calculations is shown through some representative comparisons. The effects of change in the cutout geometry, location and orientation in conjunction with the curvilinear fiber placement are studied.