On the derivation of two-dimensional equations in the theory of thin elastic plates

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The determination of the appropriate boundary conditions for a two-dimensional theory of elastic flat plates (and shells) consistent with the expected order of accuracy of the theory is both critical and challenging. The reciprocal theorem of elasticity will be applied in a novel way to obtain the appropriate stress boundary conditions for plate bending accurate to all order (with respect to the usual dimensionless thickness parameter) for plates of general edge geometry and loading. Kirchhoff’s two contracted stress boundary conditions are shown to be consistent with a leading term (thin plate) approximation theory, but the more general results obtained herein are needed for higher order theories.