On the dynamic response of metal matrix composite panels to uniform temperature loading

Thermal dynamic response of antisymmetrically laminated metal matrix composite flat and curved panels subjected to uniform time-dependent temperature field is studied. Temperature dependence of both elastic and viscoplastic properties of the metallic matrix is taken into account. The structural analysis is combined with a micromechanical approach which is employed to establish the instantaneous thermo-inelastic constitutive law of the composite at every point of the structure at each time increment. Results are presented for SiC/Al panels. The effects of boundary conditions, panel curvature and inelastic behavior of the metallic matrix on the thermally induced vibrations are illustrated. The thermal dynamic buckling behavior of flat and curved panels is studied. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.