Fundamental frequency of tapered plates by the method of eigensensitivity analysis

The fundamental frequency of a rectangular isotropic plate having a linear thickness variation is computed using the method of eigensensitivity analysis. The approach incorporates eigen derivatives to evaluate a Maclaurin series representation of the desired eigenvalue, here the fundamental frequency. Comparison with published results, for various taper ratios, aspect ratios, and support conditions, demonstrates the accuracy and utility of the expression and methodology.