A Finite Element Framework for Natural Frequency of Multilayered Functionally Graded Stiffened Panels with Cutouts for Aerospace Applications

The stiffened panel in aerospace structure enhances flexural strength and strength-to-weight ratio. The present article reports vibration characteristics of shear deformable stiffened functionally graded panels with cutouts. A novel multilayer concept is developed to model functionally graded materials. The composition of functionally graded materials in each lamina is different and the gradation of the material properties is achieved by stacking various lamina in the thickness direction. The developed concept of multilayer functionally graded materials is implemented to study the behavior of stiffened panels for various gradation properties. Some numerical examples have been solved and comparative results are presented to check the accuracy and reliability of the model. Further, an extensive investigation of functionally graded stiffened panels with cutouts is done for various parameters such as plate thickness ratio, gradient indices, and boundary conditions. Considering these influential parameters during the modeling and simulation of structures can improve the performance and integrity of the engineering structures.