Analytic solution to free vibration of rectangular plates

The Analytical Strip Method (ASM) is presented for the free flexural vibration problem of rectangular plates with intermediate flexible supports and different edge conditions. Orthotropic plates and plates having single or multiple step variation in thickness are considered. The plate is divided into strips, the number of which depends on the geometric discontinuities. The solution employs the classical method of separation of variables, and the deflection for each plate strip is expressed in a single trigonometric series. Results are presented and, when possible, compared with previously published ones.