In this paper, the effects of higher-order theory, that accounts for the realistic variation of in-plane and transverse displacements through the thickness, on the modal loss factors and natural frequencies of thick composite laminated/sandwich plates, have been studied. The formulation is based on finite element procedure using C0 eight-noded quadrilateral plate element. Further, the complex modulus of an orthotropic lamina is employed to model the damping effect. The significance of various higher-order terms considered in the model in predicting the vibration and damping characteristics are shown through the numerical studies. A detailed parametric study is also carried out to highlight the influences of ply-angle, aspect ratio, number of layers, and core to face thickness ratio for sandwich laminates on frequencies and system loss factors of composite laminates/sandwich plates.
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