Natural frequency response of Aluminum 2024-T3 and basalt/epoxy fiber metal laminates

Purpose The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the natural frequency response of basalt/epoxy laminates, Aluminum 2024-T3, aluminum honeycomb and various combinations of these materials. The study aims to compare theoretical and numerical natural frequencies, analyze the effects of changes in thickness and stacking sequence, and evaluate the performance of different fiber metal laminates (FMLs) and sandwich structures. Design/methodology/approach The study employs both theoretical and numerical methods. Theoretical calculations are based on classical plate theory for isotropic and orthotropic plates, while numerical analysis is conducted using the finite element method (ANSYS with SHELL181 element type). The research compares natural frequencies of Aluminum 2024-T3 and basalt/epoxy laminates under varying thicknesses and stacking sequences. The study is further expanded to include different combinations of laminated composites, aluminum, and honeycomb structures. Findings The results show a strong correlation between theoretical and numerical natural frequency values. Key findings include: Natural frequency increases with thickness for Aluminum 2024-T3 and with the number of layers for basalt/epoxy. Stacking sequence significantly affects both natural frequency values and mode shapes. FMLs with higher aluminum content exhibit higher natural frequencies. Sandwich structures with increased honeycomb thickness show lower natural frequencies. The FML with stacking sequence [(0/90)4/Al10/(90/0)4] achieves the highest natural frequency, while the sandwich structure with [(0/90)3/HC3/(90/0)3] has the lowest. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to specific material combinations and stacking sequences. Future research could investigate a broader range of materials, environmental conditions, and dynamic loading effects to validate the findings further. Practical implications The findings provide valuable insights for industries such as aerospace and automotive, where material selection and structural design are critical. The results can guide the design of lightweight, high-performance structures by optimizing material combinations and stacking sequences to achieve desired natural frequency responses. Originality/value This study contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive comparison of natural frequencies for various material combinations, including FMLs and sandwich structures. It highlights the importance of material arrangement and stacking sequence in achieving optimal structural performance, offering practical guidance for engineers and designers.