AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES II

Analysis of Thin Plates

Ts. Dr. Haris Ahmad Bin Israr Ahmad

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
 • 1.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

• 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending

Module • 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion

• 1.4 Mohr’s Circle

Outline • 1.5 Inclusion of Shear Force

• 1.6 Inclusion of Pressure

• 1.7 In-plane Loads

• 1.8 Circular Plates
 1.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

Plate
• A structure is considered as a plate when:

i. It is flat;

ii. The thickness is very small compared to other dimensions

(length and width), i.e., 𝑡≪𝑎, 𝑏 or 𝑎,𝑏>10𝑡;

iii. It is experiencing transverse loading i.e., causing deformations

out of the plane of the plate. This can be due to bending,
twisting or pressure loads
 1.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

Plate

• If it is not flat but curved, it is called a shell.

• If it is experiencing loadings only in the plane of the plate without any

component going out of the plane of the plate, then the problem is a
plane stress, not a plate problem, even though the structure is still a
plate.

• A plate is considered a thin plate if the variation of stresses across the

thickness can be neglected compared to the other stress component;
otherwise, it is considered as a thick plate.
 1.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

Moment Intensity

z y • Moment intensity–moment per unit length

My
• 𝑀𝑥 is x-direction moment intensity,
Mx acting along y-axis.
Mx • 𝑀y is y-direction moment intensity,
0 x acting along x-axis.
My • The units which may be used is N m/m, or N.
Plate Under Pure Bending

In plate analysis, it is common to refer to moment intensities as just moments, but care need to be taken
to differentiate it from absolute moments, which are taken about an axis.
 1.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

Moment Intensity

• The sign conventions for moment intensities are not

taken about an axis, but how they affect the plate.

• A positive moment intensity causes the plate to

bend downwards into a trough while a negative
moment intensity causes it to bend upwards
becoming a crest.
z

M + M M
- M
Mx Mx

(smile: +ve) (sad: -ve)

Side view
 1.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts

Curvatures
• The deformation of a plate under flexural
Ry Rx
loading can be characterised by its curvature,
which can be closely approximated by the
inverse of the radius of curvature at that point.

Rx – radius of curvature that swing in x-direction

Ry – radius of curvature that swing in y-direction

Ry 1 1
Rx • Thus, and are the corresponding curvatures
𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦
in the x-and y-directions respectively, as shown.
n

n is the neutral plane of the plate

 1.1 Introduction and Basic Concepts
Curvatures
• Factor that affecting the curvatures are:
i. Material
Ry ii. Geometry (thickness, length etc.)
Rx

n • Mathematically, for small deflections the curvatures

can be defined as follow:

1 𝜕2𝑤 1 𝜕2𝑤 1 𝜕2𝑤

≈ ≈ ≈
𝑅𝑥 𝜕𝑥 2 𝑅𝑦 𝜕𝑦 2 𝑅𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

where w is displacement in z-direction

 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Pure Bending
• Consider again the plate under pure bending i.e., loaded only by 𝑀𝑥 and 𝑀𝑦 as shown.
A small element 𝑑𝑥 by 𝑑𝑦 located at (𝑥,𝑦) on the plate is
analyzed. Consider a thin layer 𝑑𝑧 located at 𝑧 above the
neutral plane.
𝑀𝑥 𝑀y 𝑀𝑥
𝑀y

Under such loads, the element will

curve with the upper half under
compression (hence, shortened)
and the lower half under tension
(hence, elongated).
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Pure Bending

Under bending due to 𝑀𝑥 the

top half of the element
experiences compression and
the bottom half experiences
tension.

Bending of element dx dy (viewed in the y-direction)

Consider the layer dz at z above the neutral plane. The shortening

of that layer, 𝛿𝑥 , is given by:
𝛿𝑥 = 𝑧𝜃
Also, we know: 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 = 𝑅𝑥 𝜃 𝜃=
𝑅𝑥
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Strain
Substituting 𝜃 into the equation for 𝛿𝑥 we have:
𝑑𝑥
𝛿𝑥 = 𝑧𝜃 = 𝑧
𝑅𝑥
Rearranging:
𝛿𝑥 𝑧
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑅𝑥
Now, the left term is shortening divided by the original length, which is the negative
of the strain in x-direction. Thus, the strain is:
𝛿𝑥 𝑧
𝜀𝑥 = − =−
𝑑𝑥 𝑅𝑥
Similarly, the strain in the y-direction is:
𝑧
𝜀𝑦 = −
𝑅𝑦
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Stress
Also recall from 2D Hooke’s Law:
1 1
𝜀𝑥 = 𝜎𝑥 − 𝑣𝜎𝑦 , 𝜀𝑦 = 𝜎𝑦 − 𝑣𝜎𝑥
𝐸 𝐸

Rearranging, in terms of stresses:

−𝐸. 𝑧 1 𝑣 −𝐸. 𝑧 1 𝑣
𝜎𝑥 = + 𝜎𝑦 = +
1 − 𝑣2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦 1 − 𝑣2 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑥

• It can be seen that these stresses are directly proportional to the distance z
from the neutral plane.
• Thus, the stresses are now expressed in terms of the curvatures in the x-and
y-directions, respectively.
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Moment Intensity
• Referring to element dx.dy, looking at the stress along y-direction of the layer dz on face
x. The stress 𝜎𝑥 is acting on the elemental area 𝑑𝐴=𝑑𝑧𝑑𝑦, giving an elemental force 𝑑𝐹𝑥.

dz
𝑑𝐹𝑥 = 𝜎𝑥 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧
z
𝑀𝑥 𝑑𝑦

• This produces a moment about the y-axis (setting positive direction as one which
would produce compression at the top):
෩𝑥 = −z𝑑𝐹𝑥 = −𝑧𝜎𝑥 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧
𝑑𝑀 (Note that the (~) indicates that it is an
absolute moment, not a moment intensity)
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Moment Intensity
The total moment on face x, 𝑀𝑥𝑑𝑦, can be obtained by
integrating the elemental moment between the
bottom and the top of the plate thickness:
𝑡
2
𝑀𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = න −𝑧 𝜎𝑥 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦
𝑡
−2

Substituting for the stress term, we have:

𝑡
2 −𝐸𝑧 1 𝑣
𝑀𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = න −𝑧 + 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦
−
𝑡 1 − 𝑣2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦
2
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Moment Intensity Dropping 𝑑𝑦, simplifying and integrating:
𝑡
2 𝐸𝑧 2 1 𝑣
𝑀𝑥 = න + 𝑑𝑧
𝑡
−2 1 − 𝑣2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦
𝑡
𝐸 1 𝑣 2
𝑀𝑥 = + න 𝑧 2 𝑑𝑧
1 − 𝑣2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦 − 𝑡
2
Thus:
𝐸𝑡 3 1 𝑣
𝑀𝑥 = +
12 1 − 𝑣 2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦
Similarly:
𝐸𝑡 3 1 𝑣
𝑀𝑦 = +
12 1 − 𝑣 2 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑥
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Moment Intensity

We can simplify the equations by introducing parameter D, the flexural modulus

of the plate
𝐸𝑡 3 (Note that D can be compared
𝐷= 2
12 1 − 𝑣 with EI for a beam)

Hence,
1 𝑣 1 𝑣
𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 + 𝑀𝑦 = 𝐷 +
𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑥

For small deflections,

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤

𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 2
+𝑣 2 𝑀𝑦 = 𝐷 +𝑣 2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥
 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Moment Intensity
Note that if a plate is bent to take the shape of a horizontal cylinder along the 𝑦-axis
(no curvature in y-direction):
𝜕2𝑤
𝑅𝑦 → ∞ 2
=0
Rx 𝜕𝑦

Mx
We get,
𝜕2𝑤
𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 2
Mx 𝜕𝑥
My 𝜕2𝑤
𝑀𝑦 = 𝑣𝐷 2
𝜕𝑥

Note that even though there is no curvature in 𝑦-direction, My is not zero.

 1.2 Plate Under Pure Bending
Moment Intensity

On the other hand, one moment (say, My) is absent:

1 𝑣 1 𝑣
𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 + 0=𝐷 +
𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑥
Rx
Solving, we get:
1 𝑀𝑥 1 𝑣𝑀𝑥 Mx
= , =− Mx
𝑅𝑥 𝐷 1 − 𝑣 𝑅𝑦 𝐷 1−𝑣
Ry

This shows that a plate loaded only with one moment will curve in one
way in the direction it is loaded and in the opposite direction in the
perpendicular direction. This is called the anticlastic effect.
 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion
Pure Bending Plus Twisting
The same plate loaded by 𝑀𝑥 and 𝑀𝑦 is now
also loaded with a twisting moment or
torsion 𝑀𝑥𝑦 and 𝑀𝑦𝑥 pairs as shown

Consider again the small element 𝑑𝑥 by 𝑑𝑦

located at (𝑥,𝑦)on the plate as before, with a
thin layer 𝑑𝑧 located at 𝑧 above the neutral
plane.
 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion
Pure Bending Plus Twisting
Under such loads, the element will deform in an arbitrary shape as shown:

𝜕𝑤 𝜕 𝜕𝑤
z + 𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕 𝜕𝑤
+ 𝑑𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

𝜕𝑤 𝜕 𝜕𝑤
z + 𝑑𝑥
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

Plan View of element 𝒅𝒙𝒅𝒚 Side View of element 𝒅𝒙𝒅𝒚

 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion Tips: Imagine we fixed point 1

Shear Strain
The shear strain, 𝜀𝑥𝑦 (or 𝛾), is given by:
𝜀𝑥𝑦 = γ= 𝛼 + 𝛽
From the plan view, it can be seen that:

𝜕𝑤 𝜕 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝛼. 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑧 + 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑧 =𝑧 𝑑𝑥 𝛼=𝑧
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑤 𝜕 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝛽. 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑧 + 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑧 =𝑧 𝑑𝑦 𝛽=𝑧
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

Hence, we have:
𝜕2𝑤
𝜀𝑥𝑦 = 2𝑧
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion
Shear Stress
The shear strain can be written in terms of twist as:
1
𝜀𝑥𝑦 = 2𝑧
𝑅𝑥𝑦

The shear stress is therefore:

𝜕2𝑤
𝜏𝑥𝑦 = 𝐺𝜀𝑥𝑦 = 2𝐺𝑧
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

Or can be written as:

1
𝜏𝑥𝑦 = 2𝐺𝑧
𝑅𝑥𝑦
 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion
Torsional Moment
As before, we can see that the stress is proportional to the distance z above the
neutral plane.
dy The force due to 𝜀𝑥𝑦 acting on the strip 𝑑𝑧𝑑𝑦 on face 𝑥 is
dz given by:
𝑑𝐹𝑥𝑦 = 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝐹𝑥𝑦 = 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧
z
This produces an absolute moment (not intensity)
𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦 about the x-axis of:

෩𝑥𝑦 = z𝑑𝐹𝑥𝑦 = 𝑧𝜏𝑥 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑧

𝑑𝑀
 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion
Torsional Moment
The total torsional moment acting on face 𝑥, 𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦, can be
obtained by integrating the elemental moment between the
bottom and the top of the plate thickness:
𝑡 𝑡
2 2
෩𝑥𝑦 = න 𝑧 𝜏𝑥 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦
𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦 = න 𝑑 𝑀
𝑡 𝑡
− −
2 2

Substituting for the stress term, we have:

𝑡
2 1 2
𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦 = න 2𝐺𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦
−
𝑡 𝑅𝑥𝑦
2
 1.3 Inclusion of Torsion
Torsional Moment
Now, the torsional modulus 𝐺 is for conventional materials:
𝐸
𝐺=
2 1+𝑣
𝑡
𝐸 1 2
𝑀𝑥𝑦 = න 𝑧 2 𝑑𝑧
(1 + 𝑣) 𝑅𝑥𝑦 − 𝑡
2

Thus:
𝐸𝑡 3 1
𝑀𝑥𝑦 =
12 1 + 𝑣 𝑅𝑥𝑦

1 𝐸𝑡 3
Or it can be written as, 𝑀𝑥𝑦 = 𝐷(1 − 𝑣) Note: 𝐷 =
12 1−𝑣 2
𝑅𝑥𝑦
 Stress-Moment Relationship
Moment Intensities Summary

𝐸𝑡 3 1 𝑣 𝐸𝑡 3 1 𝑣 𝐸𝑡 3 1
𝑀𝑥 = + 𝑀𝑦 = + 𝑀𝑥𝑦 =
12 1 − 𝑣 2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦 12 1 − 𝑣 2 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑥 12 1 + 𝑣 𝑅𝑥𝑦
Stresses
−𝐸. 𝑧 1 𝑣 −𝐸. 𝑧 1 𝑣 𝐸𝑧 1
𝜎𝑥 = + 𝜎𝑦 = + 𝜏𝑥𝑦 =
1 − 𝑣2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦 1 − 𝑣2 𝑅𝑦 𝑅𝑥 (1 + 𝑣) 𝑅𝑥𝑦

Comparing between the moments and stresses shows that both can be related by a scale factor.
−𝐸. 𝑧 1 𝑣 𝐸𝑧 1
+ 𝜏𝑥𝑦 (1 + 𝑣) 𝑅𝑥𝑦 12𝑧
𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 1 − 𝑣 2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦 12𝑧 = =
= = =− 3 𝑀 𝐸𝑡 3 1 𝑡 3
𝑀𝑥 𝑀𝑦 𝐸𝑡 3 1 𝑣 𝑡 𝑥𝑦
+ 12 1 + 𝑣 𝑅𝑥𝑦
12 1 − 𝑣 2 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦

12𝑧 12𝑧 12𝑧

𝜎𝑥 = − 3 𝑀𝑥 𝜎𝑦 = − 3 𝑀𝑦 𝜏𝑥𝑦 = 3 𝑀𝑥𝑦
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
 1.4 Mohr’s Circle
Referring to figures below, given the presence of bending and twisting moments in the x-
and y-directions, there will be principal moments and stresses occur at some orientation
from these axes, where no twisting moment or shear stress occurs. We can use the
Mohr’s circle method to determine these principal moments and stresses.
 1.4 Mohr’s Circle
Moment Intensities
Tangential Moment, Mt
Mx

(Mx ,Mxy)
MII
𝑀𝑥 + 𝑀𝑦 Mt,max
2 Mxy
2𝛼
Normal Moment, Mn
Myx=-Mxy 𝑀𝑥 − 𝑀𝑦
2 Note: MI and MII are the
(My ,-Mxy) principal moments, where
My no twisting moment occurs

MI
 1.4 Mohr’s Circle
Stress
Shear stress, τ
σx

(σx , τxy)
σII
σ𝑥 + σ𝑦 τmax
2 τxy
2𝛼
σI Normal Stress, σ
τyx=- τxy σ𝑥 − σ𝑦
2 Note: σI and σII are the
(σy ,- τxy) principal stresses, where
σy the shear stress is zero.
 1.4 Mohr’s Circle
The centre of the circle 𝐼, and its radius 𝑅 are given by:

For Moment intensity For stress

𝑀𝑥 + 𝑀𝑦 𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦
𝐼= 𝐼=
2 2

2 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 2
𝑀𝑥 − 𝑀𝑦
𝑅= + 𝑀𝑥𝑦 2 𝑅= + 𝜏𝑥𝑦 2
2 2

The principal moments intensities The principal stresses σ𝐼 and σ 𝐼𝐼 are:

𝑀𝐼 and 𝑀𝐼𝐼 are:

𝑀𝐼 = 𝐼 + 𝑅 𝑀𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼 − 𝑅 σ𝐼 = 𝐼 + 𝑅 𝜎𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼 − 𝑅
 1.4 Mohr’s Circle
Assignment 1.1
A 10-mm thick aluminum plate is subjected to bending moments and torsion as shown in figure below. The
Modulus of Elasticity of the aluminum plate is 70 GPa and Poisson ratio is 0.3.
Determine:
(a) Moment Intensities
(b) Curvatures and Twist
(c) Max 𝜎𝑥 , 𝜎𝑦 , and 𝜏𝑦
(d) The principal moments and max twisting moment
(e) The principal stresses and max shear stress at bottom surface
y -600 Nm
z
800Nm
300 Nm 500Nm 300 Nm

400 mm
600Nm
0 x
600Nm
-600 Nm
 1.5 Inclusion of Shear Forces
Shear Force Intensities
• Consider the element 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 earlier is now loaded with varying moment intensities across 𝑑𝑥
and 𝑑𝑦, as there is no reason why the moments on the opposite edges need to be the same.
• For this to happen, we apply a couple of equal and opposite shear force intensities 𝑄𝑥z on the
𝑥-faces, and another, 𝑄𝑦z, on the 𝑦-faces, as shown.

• 𝑄𝑥z is force per unit length. The

subscript 𝑥z indicates the direction
of the force (𝑧) acting on the 𝑥-face

• Similarly, 𝑄𝑦z is the shear force

intensity in the z-direction acting
on the 𝑦-face.

• The SI unit for shear force intensity

is 𝑁/𝑚.

Plate Added Shear Force Intensities

 1.5 Inclusion of Shear Forces
Shear Force Intensities

Taking the equilibrium

of moments about the
x-axis, we have:
 1.5 Inclusion of Shear Forces
Shear Force Intensities

෩ = 0;
∑𝑀
𝜕𝑀𝑥 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦
−𝑀𝑥 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑀𝑥 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 −𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 −𝑄𝑥𝑧 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑀𝑥 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦
𝑄𝑥𝑧 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
In a similar way,
𝜕𝑀𝑥 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑀𝑦 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦
𝑄𝑥𝑧 = + 𝑄𝑦𝑧 = +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
 1.6 Inclusion of Pressure
Pressure
• We consider again the element 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 but this time we allow for a variation in the shear
force intensities 𝑄x𝑧 and 𝑄y𝑧. This is achieved by applying a vertical pressure 𝑃(𝑥,𝑦)on the
element, as shown.

Take note that all the moment intensities previously

explain are still there but not shown here to avoid
cluttering the diagram.
Plate Added Transverse Pressure
 1.6 Inclusion of Pressure
Pressure
Considering the equilibrium of vertical forces:
yz
𝜕𝑄𝑥𝑧 𝜕𝑄𝑦𝑧
𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 − 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 − 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
Dropping the 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 term and rearranging, we have:

𝜕𝑄𝑥𝑧 𝜕𝑄𝑦𝑧
𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 = +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
Differentiating Qxz and Qyz, we have:

𝜕𝑄𝑥𝑧 𝜕 2 𝑀𝑥 𝜕 2 𝑀𝑥𝑦
= 2
+
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑄𝑦𝑧 𝜕 2 𝑀𝑦 𝜕 2 𝑀𝑥𝑦
= 2
+
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
 1.6 Inclusion of Pressure
Pressure
We have defined previously,
Thus,
𝜕 2 𝑀𝑥 𝜕 2 𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝜕 2 𝑀𝑦 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 = +2 + 𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 +𝑣 2
2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 2
𝜕4𝑤 𝜕4𝑤 𝜕4𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝐷 +2 2 2+ 4 𝑀𝑦 = 𝐷 2
+𝑣 2
4 𝛿𝑦 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
𝜕2𝑤
𝑀𝑥𝑦 = 𝐷(1 − 𝑣)
𝜕2 𝜕2 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
𝑃 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝐷 2
+ 2 2
+ 2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
In similar way, these can
General Plate equation
be differentiated twice
𝑃 𝑃 and substituted in the
= ∇2 . ∇2 𝑤 𝑜𝑟 = ∇4 𝑤 equation for 𝑃(𝑥,𝑦)
𝐷 𝐷
𝜕2 𝜕2
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑙 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑑 ∇2 = + 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝐿𝑎𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2
 Plate Equation
Generally, the transverse distributed load P is a function of x and y so that the determination of the
deflected form of the plate reduces to obtain a solution of plate equation which satisfies the boundary
conditions of the problem
𝐸𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒: 𝑤 = 𝑐𝑥 2 y 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
= 2𝑐𝑥 =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝑤 = 𝑐𝑥 2
𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑤
x = 2𝑐 =0 =0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

Loads required to form the curve,

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 + 𝑣 2 = 2𝑐𝐷 𝑀𝑦 = 𝐷 2
+ 𝑣 2 = 2𝑣𝑐𝐷 𝑀𝑥𝑦 = 𝐷(1 − 𝑣) =0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 𝛿𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑀𝑥 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑀𝑦 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑄𝑥𝑧 𝜕𝑄𝑦𝑧

𝑄𝑥𝑧 = + =0 𝑄𝑦𝑧 = + =0 𝑃= + =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
 Plate Equation

𝐸𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒: 𝑤 = 𝑐𝑥 2 + 𝑐𝑦 2

𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
= 2𝑐𝑥 = 2𝑐𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑤
= 2𝑐 = 2𝑐 =0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

Loads required to form this deformation,

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤

𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 2
+𝑣 2 𝑀𝑦 = 𝐷 +𝑣 2 𝑀𝑥𝑦 = 𝐷(1 − 𝑣) =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝛿𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
𝑀𝑥 = 2𝑐𝐷(1 + 𝑣) 𝑀𝑦 = 2𝑐𝐷(1 + 𝑣)

𝜕𝑀𝑥 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑀𝑦 𝜕𝑀𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑄𝑥𝑧 𝜕𝑄𝑦𝑧

𝑄𝑥𝑧 = + =0 𝑄𝑦𝑧 = + =0 𝑃= + =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
 Plate Equation
𝐸𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒: Show that the deflection function
𝑤 = 𝐴 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 𝑏𝑥 2 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑎𝑏𝑥𝑦
is valid for a rectangular plate of sides a and b, simply supported on all four edges and subjected to a
uniformly distributed load of intensity P. If the material of the plate has a Young’s modulus E and is of
thickness t, determine the distributions of bending and twist moment along the edges of the plate.

Given:

𝜕4𝑤 𝜕4𝑤 𝜕4𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤

𝑃=𝐷 4
+2 2 2+ 4 𝑀𝑥 = 𝐷 +𝑣 2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤

𝑀𝑦 = 𝐷 +𝑣 2 𝑀𝑥𝑦 = 𝐷(1 − 𝑣)
𝛿𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
 1.7 Inclusion of In-Plane Loadings
In-Plane Loadings
• In this case, we have the combination between the flexural loads and the in-plane loadings
• Nx, Ny and Nxy are the force intensity and could produce stresses in the middle plane

z,w y 𝑁𝑦

𝑁𝑥 dy
dx 𝑁𝑥𝑦
𝑁𝑥
𝑁𝑥𝑦
0 x
𝑁𝑦
Plate Added In-plane Loadings
 1.7 Inclusion of In-Plane Loadings
In-Plane Loads

Plan view (x-y plane)

 1.7 Inclusion of In-Plane Loadings
In-Plane Loadings
Equilibrium of forces in the x-direction:

𝜕𝑁𝑥 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦
𝑁𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑁𝑥 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑁𝑥𝑦 + 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

This is assuming the angle is too small, thus c𝑜𝑠𝜃 ≈ 1

𝜕𝑁𝑥 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦
+ =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

Similarly, take force equilibrium in the y-direction:

𝜕𝑁𝑦 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦
+ =0
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
 1.7 Inclusion of In-Plane Loadings
In-Plane Loadings
Consider now the equilibrium of forces in the
z-direction:

(a) Set 1: Nx

(Assuming small angles, 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 ≈ 𝜃)

Side view (x-z plane)
𝜕𝑁𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕 2 𝑤 𝜕𝑤
𝑁𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 + 2 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑁𝑥 𝑑𝑦 (b) Set 2: Ny
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
Similarly,

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑦 𝜕𝑤

𝑁𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 𝑁𝑦 2
𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
 1.7 Inclusion of In-Plane Loadings
z
In-Plane Loadings
Consider now the equilibrium of forces in the z-direction: y
(c) Set 3: Nxy on edge dy
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦
𝑁𝑥𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑤 𝜕 2 𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
𝑁𝑥𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥 − 𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑤 𝜕 𝜕𝑤
+ 𝑑𝑥
x 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑤
𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

(d) Set 4: Nxy on edge dx

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑤
𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 + 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
 1.7 Inclusion of In-Plane Loadings
Pressure due to In-Plane Loadings
Now, sum up all these components in the z-direction and divided by area (𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦) to obtain the total
pressure caused by the in-plane loadings

𝜕 2 𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕 2 𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑦 𝜕𝑤 𝜕 2 𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑤 𝜕 2 𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑤

𝑃𝑖 = 𝑁𝑥 2 + + 𝑁𝑦 2 + + 𝑁𝑥𝑦 + + 𝑁𝑥𝑦 +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑥 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑁𝑦 𝜕𝑁𝑥𝑦 𝜕𝑤

𝑃𝑖 = 𝑁𝑥 2 + 2𝑁𝑥𝑦 + 𝑁𝑦 + + + +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤

𝑃𝑖 = 𝑁𝑥 2 + 2𝑁𝑥𝑦 + 𝑁𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝛿𝑦 𝜕𝑦 2
 1.7 Inclusion of In-Plane Loadings
General Plate Equations
Previously, we have defined the general plate equation:

𝑃
∇4 𝑤 =
𝐷

Taking into consideration the in-plane loadings,

4
1
∇ 𝑤 = (𝑃 + 𝑃𝑖)
𝐷

1 𝜕 2𝑤 𝜕 2𝑤 𝜕 2𝑤
∇4 𝑤 = 𝑃 + 𝑁𝑥 2 + 2𝑁𝑥𝑦 + 𝑁𝑦
𝐷 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝛿𝑦 𝜕𝑦 2

The plate equation includes Bending, Twisting, Shear, Pressure & In-plane loadings
Assignment 1.2

1. Show that the deflection function

𝑤 = 𝐴 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 𝑏𝑥 2 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑎𝑏𝑥𝑦

is valid for a rectangular plate of sides a and b, simply supported on all four edges and subjected to a
uniformly distributed load of intensity P. If the material of the plate has a Young’s modulus E and is of
thickness t, determine the distributions of bending and twist moment along the edges of the plate.

2. A thin, elastic square plate of side a is simply supported on all four sides and supports a uniformly distributed
load P. If the origin of axes coincides with the center of the plate show that the deflection of the plate can be
represented by the expression
𝑃
𝑤= 2 𝑥 4 + 𝑦 4 − 3𝑎2 1 − 𝑣 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 12𝑣𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 𝐴
96 1 − 𝑣 𝐷

where D is the flexural rigidity, v is Poisson’s ratio and A is a constant. Calculate the value of A and hence the
central deflection of the plate
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Meridional and Tangential Curvatures
• Consider a circular thin plate with a radius 𝑹 which is loaded axisymmetrically about
the vertical axis z. The plate thus deforms axisymmetrically, deflecting 𝒘(𝒓) at any
location 𝒓 away from the central axis, as shown below.

𝜑 𝑅𝑡
𝑟
𝜕𝑤
𝜑=
𝜕𝑟
𝑅 𝑤 = 𝑤(𝑟)

𝑟
𝑅

The gradient of the cross-sectional curve of the plate at any point 𝒓 is thus given by:
𝜕𝑤
𝜑=
𝜕𝑟
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Meridional and Tangential Curvatures
• Consider an element of the plate taken at 𝒓 away from the symmetrical axis, with dimensions
𝒅𝒓 by 𝒅𝜽. The element is curved in both the meridional (i.e., radial) and the tangential
directions, with the radii of curvatures respectively being 𝑹𝒎 and 𝑹𝒕 as shown

Rm Rt

𝜃 𝑑𝜃 𝑴𝒎

𝑴𝒎
𝒅𝜽
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Meridional and Tangential Curvatures

• Due to the axisymmetrical nature of the deflection, the tangential radius of

curvature 𝑹𝒕 is necessarily centered on the axis of symmetry of the plate i.e.,
the z-axis no matter what the value of 𝒓 is.

• Also note that, for the same reason, the deflection 𝒘 is constant for a particular
value of 𝒓, for any variation of 𝜽

• Considering the cross-sectional view of the plate, for very small deflections 𝝋:

𝜕𝑤
𝑟 = 𝑅𝑡 𝜑 = 𝑅𝑡
𝜕𝑟
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Meridional and Tangential Curvatures

• Thus, the tangential curvature, being the inverse of the tangential radius of
curvature, is given by:

1 1 𝜕𝑤
=
𝑅𝑡 𝑟 𝜕𝑟

• In the meridional or radial direction, where deflection 𝒘 varies with 𝒓, and the
radius of curvature is 𝑹𝒎 , the curvature is given by:

1 𝜕2𝑤
=
𝑅𝑚 𝜕𝑟 2
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Circular Plate Equation

• Recall that from the analysis of rectangular plates earlier,

𝜕 2𝑤 𝜕 2𝑤 1 1
2 This is the sum of
∇ 𝑤= 2
+ 2
= + the two curvatures
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝑅𝑥 𝑅𝑦

• By the same analogy, for the case of circular plates, the sum of the two
curvatures are given by the following:

2
2
𝜕 𝑤 1 𝜕𝑤 1 1
∇ 𝑤= 2
+ = +
𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑡
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Circular Plate Equation
• Applying the earlier general plate equation to the case of circular plates, we have:
𝑃
= ∇2 . ∇2 𝑤
𝐷
𝑃 𝜕2 1 𝜕 𝜕 2 𝑤 1 𝜕𝑤
= 2
+ 2
+
𝐷 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟

• Expanding this, implementing the differential operations, simplifying and rearranging, we

have:
𝑃𝑟 4 4
𝜕 4𝑤
3
𝜕 3𝑤
2
𝜕 2𝑤 𝜕𝑤
=𝑟 4
+ 2𝑟 3
−𝑟 2
+𝑟
𝐷 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟

Please take note that when differentiating a product, the following rule applies: 𝜕 𝑢𝑣 = 𝑢𝜕𝑣 + 𝑣𝜕𝑢
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Moment and Shear Force
• Similarly, using analogies of two normal curvatures from the case of rectangular plates,
the moments in the meridional and tangential directions can also be obtained.

The meridional moment is:

1 𝑣 𝜕 2 𝑤 𝑣 𝜕𝑤
𝑀𝑚 = 𝐷 + =𝐷 2
+
𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑡 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟

and the tangential moment is:

1 𝑣 1 𝜕𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝑀𝑡 = 𝐷 + =𝐷 +𝑣 2
𝑅𝑡 𝑅𝑚 𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Moment and Shear Force
• For shear force intensity in the radial direction:
𝜕 2
𝑄𝑟𝑧 = 𝐷 (∇ 𝑤)
𝜕𝑟
𝜕 𝜕 2 𝑤 1 𝜕𝑤
𝑄𝑟𝑧 =𝐷 2
+
𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟

• Given the axisymmetry, there should be no variation of shear force intensity with 𝜽

1𝜕 2
𝑄𝑡𝑧 = 𝑄𝜃𝑧 =𝐷 (∇ 𝑤) = 0
𝑟 𝜕𝑟

Note: There is no twist in a circular axisymmetrical plate, as if there is a twist, the plate
would no longer be axisymmetrical anymore.
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Moment and Shear Force
• For shear force intensity in the radial direction:
𝜕 2
𝑄𝑟𝑧 = 𝐷 (∇ 𝑤)
𝜕𝑟
𝜕 𝜕 2 𝑤 1 𝜕𝑤
𝑄𝑟𝑧 =𝐷 2
+
𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝜕𝑟

• Given the axisymmetry, there should be no variation of shear force intensity with 𝜽

1𝜕 2
𝑄𝑡𝑧 = 𝑄𝜃𝑧 =𝐷 (∇ 𝑤) = 0
𝑟 𝜕𝑟

Note: There is no twist in a circular axisymmetrical plate, as if there is a twist, the plate
would no longer be axisymmetrical anymore.
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Solution of the Circular Plate Equation
• The circular plate equation obtained earlier is an ordinary differential equation to
the 4th order:
𝑃𝑟 4 4
𝜕 4𝑤
3
𝜕 3𝑤
2
𝜕 2𝑤 𝜕𝑤
=𝑟 4
+ 2𝑟 3
+𝑟 2
+𝑟
𝐷 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟

• Referring to the ODE, for higher order differential equations, the complimentary
function of the solution for such equations is given by:

𝑤 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 ln 𝑟 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 + 𝑐4 𝑟 2 ln 𝑟

𝑃𝑟 4
and the particular integral depends on the term at the left-side of the equation, i.e.,
𝐷
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Solution of the Circular Plate Equation
For the case of the constant pressure 𝑷, i.e., uniform loading with 𝑷 = 𝑷𝟎 , the
particular integral takes the form of:

𝒘 = 𝑨𝒓𝟒

where 𝑨, if we determine using the circular plate equation, is:

𝑃0
𝐴=
64𝐷

Thus, the general solution for this problem of circular plate under axisymmetrical loading
conditions is:
𝑃 𝑟 4
0
𝑤 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 ln 𝑟 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 + 𝑐4 𝑟 2 ln 𝑟 +
64𝐷
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Solution of the Circular Plate Equation
The differentials of 𝒘 are thus as follows:
𝜕𝑤 𝑐2 𝑃0 𝑟 3
= + 2𝑐3 𝑟 + 𝑐4 (𝑟 + 2𝑟 ln 𝑟) +
𝜕𝑟 𝑟 16𝐷

𝜕2𝑤 𝑐2 3𝑃0 𝑟 2
2
= − 2 + 2𝑐3 + 𝑐4 (3 + 2 ln 𝑟) +
𝜕𝑟 𝑟 16𝐷

𝜕 3 𝑤 2𝑐2 2𝑐4 3𝑃0 𝑟

3
= 3 + +
𝜕𝑟 𝑟 𝑟 8𝐷

From here the equations for moments and shear forces can be written in terms of the
deflection w by substituting these differentials respectively
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Solution of the Circular Plate Equation
• For the specific case of the continuous circular plate without any hole in the middle and
imposed with uniform pressure, the value of the moments must be definable and finite
(i.e., 𝑴 ≠ ∞) at the centre (𝒓 = 𝟎).
• This condition necessitates that the constants 𝒄𝟐 and 𝒄𝟒 must be zero, for if not, this
condition would never be fulfilled.
• Thus, for this specific case (and not necessarily for other general cases), we have:

𝑃 𝑟 4
0 𝑃0 𝑟
𝑤 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 + 𝑄𝑟𝑧 =
64𝐷 2
𝑃0 𝑟 2 𝑃0 𝑟 2
𝑀𝑚 = 2 1 + 𝑣 𝑐3 𝐷 + 3 + 𝑣 𝑀𝑡 = 2 1 + 𝑣 𝑐3 𝐷 + 1 + 3𝑣
16 16
• The constants 𝒄𝟏 and 𝒄𝟑 can then be obtained using the known boundary conditions
for the plates being analysed.
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Example: Fixed circular plate with uniform distributed pressure
𝑷𝟎

𝒓
𝑅
Boundary Conditions:
𝒘 𝑹 =𝟎 𝒘′ 𝑹 = 𝟎 𝒘′ 𝟎 = 𝟎 𝑸𝒛𝒓 𝟎 = 𝟎

• Since the plate is continuous and Mm and Qrz are finite at the centre:
𝑃 𝑟 4 𝑃 𝑟 4
0 0
𝑤 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 ln 𝑟 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 + 𝑐4 𝑟 2 ln 𝑟 + = 𝑐1 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 +
64𝐷 64𝐷
𝑃0 𝑅3 𝑃0 𝑅2
𝑤′(𝑅) = 2𝑐3 𝑅 + =0 𝑐3 = −
16𝐷 32𝐷
𝑃0 𝑅 4 𝑃0 𝑅4
𝑤(𝑅) = 𝑐1 + 𝑐3 𝑅2 + =0 𝑐1 =
64𝐷 64𝐷
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Example: Fixed circular plate with uniform distributed pressure
Thus,
𝑃0 𝑅4 𝑃0 𝑅2 2 𝑃0 𝑟 4
𝑤= − 𝑟 +
64𝐷 32𝐷 64𝐷

𝑃0 𝑅4 𝑟 2 2
𝑤= 1−
64𝐷 𝑅

𝑃0 𝑅2 𝑃0 𝑅2 𝑟 2
𝑀𝑚 = 2 1 + 𝑣 𝑐3 𝐷 + 3 + 𝑣 = − 1 + 𝑣 + (3 + 𝑣)
16 16 𝑅

𝑃0 𝑅2 𝑃0 𝑅2 𝑟 2
𝑀𝑡 = 2 1 + 𝑣 𝑐3 𝐷 + 1 + 3𝑣 = − 1 + 𝑣 + (1 + 3𝑣)
16 16 𝑅
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates

Exercise
Task 1: By using these two moment equations, plot the moment intensities behavior along the
diameter

𝑃0 𝑅2 𝑟 2
𝑀𝑚 = − 1 + 𝑣 + (3 + 𝑣)
16 𝑅

𝑃0 𝑅2 𝑟 2
𝑀𝑡 = − 1 + 𝑣 + (1 + 3𝑣)
16 𝑅
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Example: Simply supported with uniform distributed pressure
𝑷𝟎

𝒓
𝑅
Boundary Conditions: ?
𝒘 𝑹 =𝟎 𝒘′ 𝟎 = 𝟎 𝑸𝒛𝒓 𝟎 = 𝟎 𝑴𝒎 𝑹 = 𝟎
Since the plate is continuous and Mm and Qrz are finite at the centre:
𝑃0 𝑟 4 𝑃0 𝑟 4
𝑤 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 ln 𝑟 + 𝑐3 𝑟2 + 𝑐4 𝑟 2 ln 𝑟 + = 𝑐1 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 +
64𝐷 64𝐷
𝑃0 𝑟 3 3𝑃0 𝑟 2
𝑤′ = 2𝑐3 𝑟 + 𝑤′′ = 2𝑐3 +
16𝐷 16𝐷

𝑃0 𝑅2 3 + 𝑣 𝑃0 𝑅2
𝑀𝑚 𝑅 = 2 1 + 𝑣 𝑐3 𝐷 + 3 + 𝑣 =0 𝑐3 = −
16 1 + 𝑣 32𝐷
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Example: Fixed circular plate with a point load
𝑭

𝒓
𝑅
Boundary Conditions: ?
𝒘 𝑹 =𝟎 𝒘′ 𝑹 = 𝟎 𝒘′ 𝟎 = 𝟎 𝑸𝒓𝒛 = 𝑭/𝟐𝝅𝒓

𝑃 𝑟 4
0 𝑤′ 0 = 0 is only valid if , C2=0
𝑤 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 ln 𝑟 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 + 𝑐4 𝑟 2 ln 𝑟 +
64𝐷

𝑤′ = 2𝑐3 𝑟 + 𝑐4 (𝑟 + 2𝑟 ln 𝑟)

𝑤′′ = 2𝑐3 + 𝑐4 (3 + 2 ln 𝑟)
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates
Example: Simply supported plate with Moment intensity
𝑀𝑚 𝑀𝑚

𝒓
𝑅

Boundary Conditions:?
𝒘 𝑹 =𝟎 𝒘′ 𝟎 = 𝟎 𝑴𝒎 (𝑹) = 𝑴𝒎

𝑃 𝑟 4
0
𝑤 = 𝑐1 + 𝑐2 ln 𝑟 + 𝑐3 𝑟 2 + 𝑐4 𝑟 2 ln 𝑟 + Since 𝒘′ 𝟎 = 𝟎 and Qrz = 0 at the
64𝐷 centre, C2=0 and C4=0

𝑤′ = 2𝑐3 𝑟

𝑤′′ = 2𝑐3
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates

Assignment 3
𝑭

𝒓
𝑅

Task 1:
Show that the moment intensities of this circular thin plate with the given boundary condition and load
can be expressed as:
𝐹 𝑟
𝑀𝑚 = 1 + 𝑣 ln
4𝜋 𝑅

𝐹 𝑟
𝑀𝑡 = − 1 − 𝑣 + 1 + 𝑣 ln
4𝜋 𝑅
 1.8 Analysis of Circular Thin Plates

Assignment 3
𝑭 𝑷𝟎

𝒓
𝑅

Task 2:
Determine the deflection function for a circular thin plate with the given boundary condition and loads
as shown in the figure above.
 Reference

• T. H. G. Megson. Aircraft Structures for engineering students Fourth Edition