Flapwise and Chordwise Free Vibration Analysis of a Rotating Laminated Composite Beam

In this paper, the flapwise and chordwise free vibrations of a rotating laminated composite beam are studied. To determine the potential energy of the rotating system, two different approaches are presented to evaluate the centrifugal force. Using Hamilton’s principle, the governing differential equations of motion for the rotating system are obtained. In order to solve these equations for the free vibration problem, the finite element method is utilized. The effects of some parameters, such as the hub radius, angular velocity, layups configuration, and material anisotropy, on the vibrational characteristics are investigated in detail. It is anticipated that the results of this paper can be utilized for a more accurate prediction of the free vibration response of rotating composite beams.