Load-induced stress singularities in the bending of cosserat plates

Abstract

Presented in this paper are the solutions to several plate bending problems as governed by a recent theory developed by Green and Naghdi, into which couple-stress is incorporated. Specifically, each problem considered is subjected to boundary conditions emanating from a singular load distribution acting on the free edge of a semi-infinite plate. The method of integral transforms is applied in the solutions. In general, it is found that the singularities in the shear and moment resultants are of the same order as those given in Reissner's plate theory, however the detailed structures of these singular functions are altered. The present theory also suggests that, in most cases, the maximum magnitudes of the moment resultants are diminished as compared to the corresponding results given in Reissner's theory. Also discussed is the exact relationship between the Green-Naghdi theory and Reissner's theory.