Thick plate bending analysis using a single variable simple plate theory

Abstract

A third order single variable simple plate theory has been used for the bending deflection analysis of thick plates with simply supported edges. The plate theory used herein contains third order terms in the displacement field. The displacement field of the theory utilizes only one unknown displacement variable for the complete formulation of thick plates. All the necessary equations connected with this plate theory can be expressed in terms of a single unknown displacement variable. The governing equation, bending moment, shear force and boundary condition equations of the theory have close similarity to those of Classical Plate Theory equations. The mathematical effort needed in formulation of plates using this theory is slightly more in comparison with Classical Plate Theory. To demonstrate the usefulness of the plate theory used herein bending deflection analysis of thick plates with simply supported edges is carried out. Bending deflection results predicted using the present theory are compared with deflection results of other first order and higher order thick plate theories. Bending deflection results predicted by thick plate theory used herein are observed to be accurate.