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The present paper studies the variation of the natural frequencies and mode shapes of rectangular plates carrying a three degree-of-freedom spring-mass system (subsystem), when the subsystem changes (stiffness, mass, moment of inertia, location). An analytical approach based on Lagrange multipliers as well as a finite element formulation are employed and compared. Numerically reliable results are presented for the first time, illustrating the convenience of using the present analytical method which requires only the solution of a linear eigenvalue problem. Results obtained through the variation of the mass, stiffness and moment of inertia of the 3-DOF system can be understood under the effective mass concept or Rayleigh's statement. The analysis of frequency values of the whole system, when the 3-DOF system approaches or moves away from the center, shows that the variations depend on each particular mode of vibration. When the 3-DOF system is placed in the center of the plate, "new" modes are found to be a combination of the subsystem's modes (two rotations, traslation) and the bare plate's modes that possess the same symmetry. This situation no longer exists as the 3-DOF system moves away from the center of the plate, since different bare plate's modes enable distinct motions of the 3-DOF system contributing differently to the "new' modes as its location is modified. Also the natural frequencies of the compound system are nearly uncoupled have been calculated by means of a first order eigenvalue perturbation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration analysis of rotating beams is a topic of constant interest in mechanical engineering. The differential quadrature method (DQM) is used to obtain the natural frequencies of free transverse vibration of rotating beams. As it is known the DQM offers an accurate and useful method for solution of differential equations. And it is an effective technique for solving this kind of problems as it is shown comparing the obtained results with those available in the open literature and with those obtained by an independent solution using the finite element method. The beam model is based on the Timoshenko beam theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As it is known, laminated composite materials are increasingly used in many technological applications, and in some instance, cutouts must be made into laminated panels for practical reasons, changing the stress distribution. The present study deals with the determination of the stress concentration factor that holes of square shape cause in an orthotropic plate subjected to distributed in - plane loading. Square holes of rounded comers in a rectangular plate are considered, and the effect of different combinations of axial and tangential forces applied to its middle plane at the external edges, is studied. The mutually perpendicular axes, which define the principal axes of orthotropy, are assumed in many different directions referred to the sides of the plate. Numerical experiments by means of a finite element code is performed, evaluating the influence of the fiber orientation with respect to the edges of the plate and the characteristics of the orthotropic materials since such structures do not exhibit easily predictable behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a response by Hasan Sofuoglu to a letter to the editor about his article "A New Technique Used in Obtaining True Stress-True Strain Curves for Constant Strain-Rates," in the March/April 2003 issue of "Experimental Techniques."