Nonlinear dynamics of a third-order reduced model of thermomechanically coupled plate under different thermal excitations

Thermoelastic analysis of a shear deformable reduced model of laminated plates with von Kármán nonlinearities and cubic temperature along the thickness is presented. Parametric investigation of the response is accomplished by means of bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits and planar cross sections of the four-dimensional basins of attraction, in order to describe the local and global dynamical behavior of the model. Different scenarios induced by the boundary conditions are highlighted, along with the effect of a different modeling of temperature distribution (constant/dome-shape) on the system response.The effects of diverse (boundary/body) thermal sources are also comparatively explored. In all examined cases, proper consideration of system global dynamics is shown to be essential for reliably unveiling transient to steady effects due to thermomechanical coupling.