Dynamic responses of orthotropic plates under moving masses

The problem considered is that of heavy masses moving on lightweight rectangular plates of orthotropic materials, slated for use in space structures. The dynamic equation of motion for orthotropic plates which contains singularities in both space and time variables is first presented. The response is expressed as a summation of double series of eigenfunctions. The equation of motion is transformed into an integro-differential equation for modal amplitudes using the Green's function. The Green's function is chosen to satisfy the initial conditions, the boundary conditions, and the transient conditions due to the moving masses. The solution series exhibits a good convergence. The effect of orthotropicity on natural frequencies and dynamic responses is demonstrated.