Purpose <p>This study aims to investigate the dynamic modeling and natural frequency analysis of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) truncated conical shells.</p> Method <p>Based on the structural characteristics of the CFRP truncated conical shell and considering the thermal stress effects, a nonlinear dynamic model is established for the shell under combined in-plane loading and transverse excitation. By employing the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and von Kármán's geometric nonlinearity, the governing partial differential equations are derived using Hamilton's principle. The natural frequencies are then determined using boundary-condition-satisfying exponential-algebraic polynomial functions in conjunction with the Rayleigh–Ritz method, thereby validating the model's convergence and accuracy. Additionally, a vibration test platform is constructed, and the shell's natural frequencies are obtained through both experimental measurements and numerical simulations. The experimental, numerical, and theoretical results are systematically compared and verified, demonstrating excellent agreement.</p> Results <p>The results confirm the validity of the proposed model. Key parameters—including the half-apex angle, filament winding angle, shell thickness and boundary conditions are found to significantly affect the natural frequencies through their effects on structural stiffness.</p>