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The Fundamentals of the SmallDeection P late Bending Theory

2.1

INTRODUCTION

The foregoing assumptions introduced in Sec. 1.3 make it possible to derive the basic equations of the classical or Kirchhoffs bending theory for stiff plates. It is convenient to solve plate bending problems in terms of displacements. In order to derive the governing equation of the classical plate bending theory, we will invoke the three sets of equations of elasticity discussed in Sec. 1.4. 2.2 STRAINCURVATURE RELATIONS (KINEMATIC EQUATIONS)

We will use common notations for displacement, stress, and strain components adapted in elasticity (see Sec. 1.4). Let u; v; and w be components of the displacement vector of points in the middle surface of the plate occurring in the x; y, and z directions, respectively. The normal component of the displacement vector, w (called the deection), and the lateral distributed load p are positive in the downward direction. As it follows from the assumption (4) of Sec. 1.3 "z 0; yz 0; xz 0: 2:1 Integrating the expressions (1.5) for "z ; yz ; and xz and taking into account Eq. (2.1), we obtain w z w x ; y ; u z z @w @w ux; y; vz z vx; y; @x @y 2:2

where uz ; vz , and wz are displacements of points at a distance z from the middle surface. Based upon assumption (6) of Sec. 1.3, we conclude that u v 0. Thus, Eqs (2.2) have the following form in the context of Kirchhoffs theory:

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