Dynamic analysis of non-homogenous varying thickness rectangular plates resting on Pasternak and Winkler foundations

Modern day technological advancement has resulted in manufacturing industries intensify the use and application of thin plates in their productions thereby, resulting in increased research awareness in the study of dynamic behavior of thin plates. This research analyzes the free vibration dynamic behavior of thin rectangular plates resting on elastic Winkler and Pasternak foundations using two-dimensional differential transformation method. The reliability of the obtained analytical solutions are validated with results presented in cited literature and confirmed very precise. However, the analytical solutions obtained are used to investigate the influence of elastic foundations, homogeneity and thickness variation on the dynamic behavior of the plates under clamped and condition. From the results obtained, it is realized that increase in non-homogenous material results in corresponding increase in natural frequency of the plates. Also, increase in Winkler, Pasternak and combine Winkler and Pasternak foundations stiffness leads to increase in natural frequency of the plates. Increase in thickness results to natural frequency increases. The findings will serve as benchmark for further study of plate vibration research.