NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MEAM 722
ADVANCED MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE SOLIDS
INDEPENDENT PROJECT
EFFECTS OF SHEAR DEFORMATIONS
ON PLATE BUCKLING

Author: Sait Mekic

Instructor: Dr. Mohammad H. Alimi

Fargo, January, 2001

CONTENTS

Page
1.

INTRODUCTION.2

2.

CLASICAL PLATE THEORY3

2.1 Classifications and definitions..3

2.2 Kinematic equations..5
2.3 Constitutive relations and bending moment resultants.6
2.4 Equilibrium of the plate element..8
3.

BUCKLING OF PLATES...12

3.1 Differential equation of buckling12

3.2 Buckling analysis of plates in compression and shear..16
3.3 Critical load of a plate uniformly compressed in one direction..17
3.4 Critical load of a plate in shear by Galerkin method...19
4.

REFINED PLATE THEORIES.21

4.1 Governing differential equation.21

4.2 Numerical methods.23
Conclusions and recommendations...24
REFERENCES25

1.

INTRODUCTION

Before any discussion of buckling of plates can take place, it is necessary to establish the theory of bending
of plates leading to a differential equation connecting applied loads flexural rigidity and curvature.
Therefore the first task of this project was to analyze these aspects of the problem.
In Section 2 is given an overview of classification of plates and their theories. Then, a comparison of the
Kirchhoff and the Reissner-Mindlin kinematics is given. Further, using Kirchhoff assumptions, constitutive
relations, and equilibrium of plate element, differential equation of plate bending under transverse load is
derived.
Analysis of effects of shear deformations on plate buckling, which was main concern of this project, can go
into two directions. One direction is to analyze in-plane shear deformations caused by in-plane loads, and
the other is to analyze what happens when transverse shear stresses are not negligible and have to be taken
into account.
The analysis of in-plane shear deformations by in-plane shear loads is given in section 3, where the
differential equation of plate buckling is derived. In this section is presented one problem that considers
critical load of a plate uniformly compressed in one direction, and one problem that considers critical load
of a plate in shear by Galerkin method.
The analysis of transverse shear effects is given in Section 4, where the differential equations governing
displacement field and applied loads is presented. Some observations concerning to numerical methods of
solution of these equations, also, are given in this section.
Although there were presented two examples of solutions of plate problems, the main task of this project
was to analyze some theoretical aspects of the given problem, rather then to solve any particular problem
connected with the subject.

2 CLASICAL PLATE THEORY

2.1 Classifications and definitions

Consider an elastic body, as shown in Fig. 2.1, comprising the region 0 x a, 0 y b, and -h/2 z
h/2, such that h << a, and h << b. This is called a plate.

z
b
y
a

x
Fig. 2.1. Rectangular plate

Depending on the thickness to length ratio several theories of plates have been developed.
Von Karman theory considers very thin plates, for which (h/a, h/b) < 1/50. The displacements of very thin
plates are usually so large that a geometrically non-linear theory becomes necessary. This theory is able to
consider the membrane action. Related to this theory is second order beam theory.
Korchhoff theory considers thin plates, for which (h/a, h/b) = 1/50 to 1/5. This is a pure bending theory
which does not accounts for transverse shear deformations, and is mostly used for practical applications.
Related to this theory is Euler-Bernoulli beam theory.
Reissner-Mindlin theory considers moderately thick plates, for which (h/a, h/b) = 1/10 to 1/5. This theory
includes the effect of transverse shear deformations and stresses, and is also called refined plate theory.
Related to this theory is Timoshenko beam theory.
Plate theories can also be grouped according to their stress-strain relationships. The elastic plate theories
are based on the assumption of a linear relationship between stress and strain in the form of Hooke's law,
whereas nonlinear elasticity, plasticity, and viscoelasticity consider more complex stress-strain
relationships. All these theories, with the exception of viscoelasticity, which consider dynamic loads only,
can be further subdivided into static and dynamic plates, depending whether the external loads are of static
or of dynamic nature.

2.1 Assumptions of the Kirchhoff and the Reissner-Mindlin plate theories

The assumptions of the Kirchhoff plate theory are:
1.
2.
3.

strains and deflections are small and geometrically linear

material of the plate is homogeneous, isotropic, and obeys Hooke's law.
plate is thin

The latter assumption leads to the two Bernoulli hypotheses (Fig. 2.1):
a) straight lines perpendicular to the mid-surface before deformation remain straight after deformation
b) transverse normals rotate such that they remain perpendicular to the mid-surface after deformation
and to a further assumption:
c)

the transverse normals do not experience elongation, i.e. they are in-extensible:
ezx = 0
(2.1)

zx = 0
z,w

P(x,y)

t
w/x

h/2
h/2
w(x, y)

Fig.2.1. Bernoulli hypothesis

If Bernoulli hypothesis a), and b) hold we have Kirchhoff theory, for which

x =

y =

w
x

w
yx

(2.2)

5
If Bernoulli hypothesis b) is released we have Reissner-Mindlin theory, for which (see Fig. 2.2)

x =

w
+ xz
x
(2.3)

w
y =
+ yz
y

As a consequence of these hypotheses, the local effects of load applications cannot be described by the
theory.
The assumptions given by (2.1) are in contradiction to the materials with Poisson effect ( 0), but this
contradiction does not cause further difficulties for the analysis.
Neglecting the transverse shear strains xz , and yz is inconsistent with the material law. Shear stresses exist
because of equilibrium of forces and stresses, i.e. xz , and yz are not equal to zero, while from equations

xz = Gxz, yz = Gyz

(2.4)

it follows that these stresses are equal to zero. Both inconsistencies are similar to those encountered in the
Bernoulli-Euler beam model.
The Reissner-Mindlin theory does not have these inconsistencies. Kinematics of this theory is shown in
Fig. 2.2.
z,w

P(x, y)
w/x
w(x,y)

xy
x

- w/x
x

Fig. 2.2. Comparison of Kirchhoff and Reissner-Mindlin kinematics

2.2 Kinematic equations

The rotations of the material normal about x and y-axes are denoted by y and x respectively. For small
deflections and rotations it follows

x =

w
,
x

y =

w
y

(2.5)

The displacements {u , v , w} of a plate particle P(x, y, z) not necessarily located on the mid surface are
given by
u = z

w
= z x ,
x

v = z

w
= z y ,
y

w = w( x , y )

(2.6)

Using assumption a) from section 2.1 and elasticity kinematics we can write

e xx =

u
2w
= z 2 = zk xx
x
x

e yy =

v
2w
= z 2 = zk yy
y
y

e zz =

w
2w
= z 2 = zk zz
z
z
(2.7)
2

e xy =

w
1 u v
= zk xy
+ = z
xy
2 y x

e xz =

1 u w
+
=0
2 z x

e yz =

1 v w
+
=0
2 z y

k xx =

2w
2w
2w
2 , k xy =
2 , k xy = xy
x
y

where
(2.8)

In (2.7), and (2.8) kxx , and kyy represent curvatures of the deflected mid-surface, while kxy represents
warping of the plate. From (2.7) we see that entire displacement field is defined when w(x, y) is defined.
2.2 Constitutive relations and bending moment resultants
To establish the plate constitutive equations further assumptions are necessary:
a) plate is homogenous and isotropic with elastic modules E
b) each plate lamina z = constant is in plane stress
c) the plate material obeys Hooke's law for plane stress, which can be represented in the form

xx
yy

1 2

exx

eyy

1
(1 )
2

2ezy

xy

(2.9)

Them bending moments Mxx , Myy , Mxz ,are stress resultants with dimensions of moment per unit length, i.e.
force. Action of moments upon the plate is shown on Fig. 2.3.The moments are calculated by integrating
the elementary stress couples through the thickness.

y
Myx
Myy

Mxx
Mxy

Mxy
Mxx

Myy
Myx
Fig. 2.3. Action of bending moments

M xx dy =

xx zdydz,

h2
h

M yy dx =

yy zdxdz,

h2

M xx = xx zdz
h2
h

M yy = yy zdz
h2

(2.10)
h

M xy dy =

xy zdydz,

h2
h

M yx dx =

yx zdxdz,

h2

M xy = xy zdz
h2
h

M yx = yx zdz
h2

8
Since bending moments are in equilibrium it follows that Mxy = Myx . Using (2.8) and (2.9) we can write

Mxx

kxx

Myy

= D

kyy

Mxy

1
(1+ )
2

2kzy

(2.11)

where
D=

Eh 3
12(1 2 )

(2.12)

represents the bending or isotropic flexural plate rigidity.

If the bending moments Mxx , Myy , Mxz ,are known, the maximum values of in plane stresses can be obtained
using (2.9) and (2.11):

xx ) max,min =

yy ) max,min =

xy ) max,min =

6 M xx
h2

6 M yy
h2

(2.13)

6 M xy
h2

These maximum and minimum values occur for z = h/2, i.e. on the plate surfaces.

2.3 Equilibrium of the plate element

To derive the interior equilibrium equations we consider differential mid-surface element dxdy aligned with
x, y-axes as shown in Fig. 2.4. Consideration of force equilibrium along the z direction requires the
presence of transverse shear forces. The components of these forces In the {x, y} system ate called Qx and
Qy and are defined as shown in Fig. 2.4(a). These are forces per unit length.
With these shear forces are associated shear stresses xz and yz. For a homogeneous plate and using
equilibrium similar to Euler-Bernoulli beams, the stresses vary parabolically over the thickness:

xz = xz ) max 1

4z 2

h2

(2.14a)

yz = yz ) max 1

4z 2

h2

(2.14b)

in which the maximum values xz )max and yz )max , which occur on the mid-surface z = 0, are only function
of x and y. Integrating over the thickness gives.

Qy +

Q y
y

dy

q
(a)

Qx
dy

Qx +

Q x
dx
x
x

dx

Qy

dx
Myx + (Myx /y)dy
(b)

Myy + (Myy /y)dy

Mxx

Mxy + (Mxy /x)dx

Mxy

Mxx + (Mxx /x)dx

dy

Myy
Myx

Fig.2.4 External and internal forces on the element of the mid-surface

in which the maximum values xz )max and yz )max , which occur on the mid-surface z = 0, are only function
of x and y. Integrating over the thickness yields

10

h/2

Qx =

xz dz =

h/ 2

h/2

2
) h,
3 xz max

yz dz = 3 yz ) max h

Qy =

(2.15)

h / 2

If Qx and Qy are known then

xz ) max =

2 Qx
,
3 h

yz ) max =

2 Qy
3 h

(2.16)

as in the case of Bernoulli-Euler beams, stresses (2.16) come entirely from eqilibrium analysis. The
Kirchhoff plate model ignores the transverse shear energy, and in fact xz = yz = 0.from cinematic
equations (2.7).Practically this means that stresses (2.16) should be significantly smaller then (2.13). If they
are not, the Kirchhoff model does not apply.
Considering force equilibrium along the z direction in Fig. 2.4 (a) yields the shear equilibrium equation:

Q x Q y
+
= q
x
y

(2.17)

where q is applied transverse force per unit area. Force equilibrium along the x and y-axes is in this case
automatically satisfied and does not give additional equilibrium equations. Force equilibrium along the x
and y-axes will be considered in section (2.XX) where the differential equation of plate buckling is derived.
Considering moment equilibrium about x and y yields two moments differential equations:

M xx M xy
+
= Qx ,
x
y

M yx
x

M yy
y

= Q y

(2.18)

Moment equilibrium about z gives

Mxy = Myx

(2.19)

The four equilibrium equations (2.17) - (2.19) relate six Fields Mxx , Mxy , Myx , Myy , Qx and Qy .Hence plate
problem is statically indeterminate.
Eliminating Qx and Qy from (2.18)gives The following Moment equilibrium equation in terms of the load:

2 M xx
x 2

+2

2 M xy
xy

2 M yy
y 2

=q

(2.20)

Elimination of bending moments from equation (2.20) using equations (2.8) and (2.11) gives equation for
bending of thin plates:
D 4 w = q

where

(2.21)

11

4 =

4
4
4
+
2
+
x 4
x 2 y 2 y 4

(2.22)

is the biharmonic operator.

Equation (2.21) is the analog of the Bernoulli-Euler beam equation
EI

4w
=q
x 4

(2.23)

12

3 BUCKLING OF PLATES

3.1 Differential equation of buckling

Plate structures are often subject to normal and shearing forces acting in the plane of the plate. If these inplane forces are sufficiently small, the equilibrium is stable and the resulting deformations are characterized
by the absence of lateral displacements (u 0, v 0, w = 0). As the magnitude of these in-plane forces
increases, at certain load intensity, a marked change in the character of deformation pattern takes place.
That is, simultaneously with the in-plane deformations, lateral displacements are introduced. In this
condition, the originally stable equilibrium becomes unstable and the plate is said to have buckled.
Classical buckling problems of plates can be formulated using the differential equation of static
equilibrium, various energy methods, and dynamic approaches.
In most general form in-plane displacements can be written as
u ( x , y , z ) = u 0 ( x , y ) + z x ( x , y )
v ( x , y , z ) = v 0 ( x , y ) + z y ( x , y )

(3.1)

w(x, y, z) = w0(x, y)
where { u0 , v0 , w0 } are displacement components of a point along the (x, y, z) coordinates, and x, and y
are rotation about y and x axes respectively. These rotations are given by equation (2.5), if transverse shear
strains are zero, as it is the case that we are considering now.
We here consider the in plane forces acting on a plate element, in which the forces are assumed to be
functions of the mid-surface coordinates x and y, as shown in Fig. 2.5. The in-plane force resultants are
defined to be:
h/2

Nx =

x dz

(3.2)

h/ 2
h/2

Ny =

y dz

(3.3)

h / 2
h/2

Nz =

z dz

(3.4)

h/ 2
h/2

N xy =

xy dz

h/2

(3.5)

13

h/2

N yx =

yx dz = N xy

(3.6)

h/ 2

Nxdy
Nxydy

Nyxdx

Nydx

dx

( Ny + (Ny/y)dy)dx)
( Nyx + (Nyx/y)dy)dx)

dy
x

( Nx + (Nx/x)dx)dy)

( Nxy + (Nxy/x)dx)dy)

Fig. 2.5. In-plane forces on a plate element

Using relation (2.24) end equilibrium of the in-plane forces it can be shown that, for the case of no surface
shear stresses
4 u0 ( x, y) = 0

(3.7)

4 v0 ( x, y) = 0

(3.8)

In Fig. 2.6 is shown the relationship between forces and displacements when the plate is subject to both
lateral and in-plane forces, so that there is lateral deflection w. The z component of the loading per unit area
is, for small slopes:

1
dxdy

N x w 2 w
w
+ 2 dx N x dy
dx dy

N x +
x x
x
x

(3.9)

Neglecting terms of higher order, the component of Nx force per unit area in the z direction is

Nx

2 w N x w
+
x x
x 2

Similarly, the z component of the Ny force per unit area is

(3.10)

14

Nx

2 w N x w
+
x x
x 2

(3.11)

(w/x + (2w/x2)dx)

( Nx + (Nx/x)dx)dy)

dx
Nxdy

w/x

Fig. 2.6. Relationship between forces and displacements

The z component of the in plane shear resultants Nxy and Nyx can be investigated using Fig. 2.7:

dy
Nxydy

dx

(Nyx + (Nyx/y)dy)dx)

Nxy

( Nxy + (Nxy/x)dx)dy)
Fig. 2.7. In-plane shear resultants

N xy w 2 w
N yx w 2 w

1
+
+
dx
dx dy + N yx +
dy
dy dx
N xy +
dxdy
x
y
y xy

x xy

15

N xy

w
w
dy N yx
dx
y
x

(3.12)

If higher order terms are neglected in the above expression reduces to

N xy

2 w N xy w
2 w N yx w
+
+ N yx
+
xy
x y
xy
y x

(3.13)

With all the above z components of forces per unit area evaluated, the governing plate equation (2.21) can
be modified to include their effect:

D 4 w = q ( x , y ) + N x

2w
2w
2w
+
N
+
2
N
y
xy
xy
x 2
y 2

N x w N y w
+
x x
y yx

N xy w N yx w
+
x y
y yx

(3.14)

Having in mind the in plane force equilibrium and the assumption that there are no applied surface shear
stresses, it follows that

N x N yx
+
=0
x
y
N xy
x

N y
y

=0

(3.15)

(3.16)

Substituting (3.15) and (3.16) into (3.14) the final form of the differential equation of plate buckling
becomes
D 4 w = q ( x , y ) + N x

2w
2w
2w
+
N
+
2
N
y
xy
xy
x 2
y 2

(3.17)

This equation is analogous to the Beam-column equation, which can be obtained by multiplying equation
(3.17) by the width b of the beam, letting ( )/y = 0, = 0, P = -bNx, and bq(x ,y) = q(x):
d 4w

x 4
Where k2 = P/EI.

+k2

2 w q( x)
=
EI
x 2

(3.18)

16

3. 2 Buckling analysis of plates in compression and shear

Classical buckling problems of plates can be formulated using a) the differential equation of static
equilibrium, b) various energy methods, and c) dynamic approaches [1].
a)

Equilibrium method

In the equilibrium method, we assume that the plate has buckled slightly. When the in plane edge loads are
slightly above the critical load, the lateral deflections, w, are approaching very large values, regardless how
small the increase in the edge loads becomes. The smallest load corresponding to this condition is the
critical load.
b) Energy methods
In the state of neutral equilibrium, the plate changes its original flat shape to a curved shape without
gaining or losing energy. The corresponding energy equation is
Wi * + We * = 0

(3.19)

where Wi* and where We* represent the work of the internal forces, in the form of potential energy due to
bending (Ub*), and the work done by the external compressive forces due to the in-plane displacements
produced by bending, respectively.
c)

Dynamic methods

The stable system will return to its original position after the introduction of small oscillations. If the state
of equilibrium is unstable, the system will not return to its initial position, since the small disturbance will
be followed by increasingly large deflections.
In setting up the differential equation of transverse vibration the effect of in-plane forces is considered.
When plates are subject to the simultaneous action of in plane compressive and shear forces, combined
with lateral bending, buckling occurs at lower load intensities then when these forces act individually. The
effect of the combined loading can be approximated by the so-called interaction equation, which has the
following form:
R1 + R2 + R3 +... 1

(3.20)

where Ri is the load ratio defined by

Ri =

i th edge load acting alone

Ni
=
corresponding i th critical load N cr ,i

(3.21)

Equation (3.3) represented graphically gives the interaction curve (Fig. 3.1). Buckling take place when the
plot of the forces is on, or above these limited bounds.
For simply supported plate subject to biaxial compression:
Rx + Ry 1

(3.22)

17

R2
R2 + R2 (Bounds of Safe
Zone )

1.0
Safe
Zone
R2
0

R1

1.0

R1

Fig.3.1. Interaction curve

For simply supported plate with a/b 1, and long plates with elastically restrained edges, subject to
longitudinal compression and shear:
Rcomp + R2shear 1

(3.23)

R2bend + R2shear 1

(3.24)

For bending and shear:

3.3 Critical load of a plate uniformly compressed in one direction

Here we consider a simply supported rectangular plate with sides a and b units long (Fig. 3.2). the plate is
acted on by a compression force, Nx.

y
a

Nx

b
x
Fig. 3.2. Plate in compression

The differential equation of the plate buckling reduces to:

18

4w
4w
4 w
2w
D 4 + 2 2 2 + 4 + N x
=0
x y
y
x 2
x

(3.25)

Since all four edges of the plate are simply supported, the lateral deflection as well as the bending moment
vanishes along each edge. The boundary conditions are:
w = 0, at x = 0, and x = a
(3.26)
w = 0, at x = 0, and y = b
Assume that the solution is of the form:

w=

Amn sin

m 1 n 1

my
mx
sin
,
a
b

m, n = 1, 2, 3...

(3.27)

Then after derivation of (3.9) and substitution into (3.7)

m4 4
ny
m2 n 2 2 n 4 4 N x m2 2
mx
Amn 4 + 2
+ 4
sin
=0
sin
2 2
2
D a
a
b
a b
b
a
m 1 n 1

(3.28)

This yields
D 2 mb n 2 a

Nx = 2
+
mb
b a

(3.29)

Nx depends on the dimensions and the physical properties of the plate and on m and n, the number of halfwaves that the plate buckles into. Since the critical value of Nx is the smallest value that satisfies equation
(3.11), the value of m and n that minimize Nx must be determined. It is obvious that Nx increases as n
increases and that n = 1. The number of half-waves in the x direction that correspond to a minimum value
of Nx is found by minimizing Nx with respect to m.
Thus
dN x 2 D 2 mb a b
a
=
+

2 = 0
2
a mb a m b
dm
b

(3.30)

from which
m=

a
b

(3.31)

This yields
N x ,cr =

4 D 2
b2

(3.32)

19

3.4 Critical load of a plate in shear by Galerkin method

Here we consider the simply supported square plate loaded by uniform shearing forces Nxy applied along
the four edges (Fig3.3).

y
a
Nyx

Nxy

Nxy

a
x

Nyx
Fig. 3.3. Plate in shear

The differential equation of the plate buckling reduces to:

4w
4w
4 w
2w
=0
D 4 + 2 2 2 + 4 + 2 N xy
xy
x y
y
x

(3.33)

Assume that
2

w( x , y ) =

Ai sin
i =1

iy
ix
sin
,
a
a

i = 1,2

(3.34)

For this plate subject to a pure shear, whose deflection is assumed by (3.16), weighted residuals are of the
form
a a

j =

( w) j ( x, y)dxdy,

j = 1,2

(3.35)

0 0

where

( w) =

4w
4w
4 w 2 N xy 2 w
+
2
+
+
D xy
x 4
x 2 y 2 y 4

(3.36)

20
and weight functions

j ( x , y ) = sin

jx
jy
sin
,
a
a

j = 1,2

(3.37)

are of the same class as terms of deflection function w(x,y).

Integrating weighted residuals (3.17) and equating them with zero yield

4
a

A1 +

32 N xy
9D

A2 = 0

(3.38)
32 N xy
9D

A1 +

16 4
a2

A2 = 0

The determinant of this homogeneous system of equation must be zero. This yields
N xy ,cr = 111
.

2
a2

(3.39)

More precise analysis can be obtained when more terms are included in the assumed solution for the
deflection w(x,y).

21

4 REFINED PLATE THEORIES

4.1 Governing Differential equations

The extension of Timoshenko beam theory to plates is Reissner-Mindlin, or "thick" plate theory. ReissnerMindlin theory relaxes assumption of negligible shear deformation, and accounts for an average shear
strain in the plate.
From (2.9), (2.10), and (2.11) it follows

x =

2 w 12 M x z
Ez 2 w
2 +
=
2
1 x
y 2
h3

y =

2 w 12 M y z
Ez 2 w

=
+

1 2 y 2
x 2
h3

xy =

(4.1)

Ez 2 w 12 M xy z
=
1 + xy
h3

and from the equilibrium equation

x xy xz
+
+
=0
x
y
z

(4.2)

xz
12 z M x M xy

= 3
+
z
y
h x

(4.3)

it follows

Integration of (4.3) with respect to z yields

xz =

6z 2 M x M xy

+
+ f ( x, y)
y
h 3 x

(4.3)

Applying boundary conditions xz = 0 at z = h/2, function f (x, y) is determined:

f ( x, y) =

Therefore

3 M x M xy

2h x
x

(4.4)

22

xz =

2
3 M x M xy
z

1 4
+
h
x
2h x

(4.5)

yz =

2
3 M xy M y
z

+
1 4
h
2h x
x

(4.6)

Similarly we find

The transverse normal stress can be obtained from the equilibrium in z direction, and it is equal:

z =

q
z
z
1 3 + 4
h
2h
h

(4.6)

As it was mentioned, for thin plates the transverse normal and shear stresses are negligible in comparison to
the remaining stresses. For thick plates the contribution of transverse shear stresses can be large.
Using the total energy principle, equilibrium equation can be derived. Further, from the equilibrium
equations, next five differential equations, that relate displacement field and apply load can be derived [2],
[3], and [4]:

u 0
v

u 0 v 0
+ A12 0 + A66
+
A11

=0
x
x
y
y y
x

(4.7)

A66

u 0
v
u 0 v 0
+
+ A22 0 = 0

+
A12
x y
x yx
x
y

(4.8)

A55

w0
w0


+
+q = 0
+
+ A44
y y y
x x x

(4.9)

y
w
x

x y

D11
+ D66

A55 x + 0 = 0
+ D12
+

x
x
x
y
y y
x

(4.10)

y
w
x

x y

+ D12
A44 yx + 0 = 0
+
+ D22
y
x y
x y
x
y

(4.11)

D66

where
h/2

Aij =

h/2

cij dz ,

Dij =

h/ 2

cij d ,

(i , j = 1,2,6)

h/2

h/2

Aij = Ki K j

cij dz,

h/2

(i , j = 4,5)

(4.12)

23

c11 =

E1
1 12 21

c22 =

E2
1 12 21

c44 = G 23 ,

c12 = 12 c22 = 21 c11 ,

c45 = 0,

c66 = G12

c55 = G13

For an isotropic material, equation (4.9), (4.10), and (4.11) can be written as:
2 w0

x y
2(1 + )q

=
x
y
Eh

2
2
(1 + ) y x 6 (1 ) w0

x +

+
x = 0

2 xy
y 2
h2
2

(4.14)

(1 + ) 2 x y 6 (1 ) w0
y +

+
y = 0

2
2

2 xy
y

x
h
2

where represent shear correction factor, which is usually chosen as 5/6.

Equation (4.14) is uncoupled from equation (4.7) and (4.8) and can be solved for w0, x, and x
independently from displacements u0, and v0.
In the Table 4.1 is given a comparison of the results obtained by the classical plate theory and the results
obtained by the refined plate theory, of nondimensionalized center deflections of square, simply supported
isotropic plates under uniform loading [2].
Table 4.1
RefIned Plate Theory

a/h

10

12.5

Deflection

5.3556

4.6660

4.5832

20
4.4936

ClasIcal
Plate
Theory

50
4.4453

100
4.4438

4.4436

Differences are much more pronounced for othotropic and composite plates.

4.2 Numerical methods

Equations (4.14), in general cannot be solved exactly. Although the Reissner-Mindlin is much more
difficult then classical plate theory plate theory, the resulting set of equations is much easier too solve
numerically. Finite elements based on Reissner-Mindlin assumptions have one important advantage over
elements based on classical thin plate theory. Reissner-Mindlin plate elements require only C0 continuity of

24
the lateral displacement w0, and independent normal rotations x, and y. However, elements based on
classical thin plate Kirchhoff theory require C1 continuity. In other words, w0/ x and w0/y as well as w0
should ideally be continuous across element interface although this condition is relaxed in non conforming
plate elements. Thus it would appear that Reissner-Mindlin plate elements are simpler to formulate.
However, when exact numerical integration is used with standard Reissner-Mindlin finite elements, very
disappointing results are obtained in application to thin plates. This Phenomenon which is called shear
locking, is caused by the imposition of the constraints xz = yz = 0 by the shear strain energy terms in the
total potential energy when limiting thin plate situation are approached.
Conclusions and recommendations
Study of a subject as Stability of plates under shear requires deep insight into Theory of plates and, as a
prerequisite, knowledge of Theory of elasticity and FEM.
In the next phase of research on this project, I would make a finite element model, based on ReisnerMindlin theory, for a certain types of plates and certain type of loads, and do numerical experiments to
obtain a valid comparative analysis.

25

REFERENCES
1.

Szilard R., Theory and Analysis of Plates, Classical and Numerical Methods, Prentice-Hall, Inc.,
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1974.

2.

Reddy J. N., Energy and Variational Methods in Applied Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, New York,
1984.

3.

Mindlin R. D., Influence of Rotary Inertia and Shear on Flexural Motion of Isotropic Elastic Plates,
Journal of Applied Mechanics, vol 18, pg 31-38, 1951.

4.

Reissner E., The Effect of Transverse Shear Deformation on the Bending of Elastic Plates, Journal of
Applied Mechanics, vol 12 (2), pg 69-77, 1949.

5. Timoshenko S., Woinowsky-Kriger S., Theory of Plates and Shells, Mc Graw-Hill, New York, 1959.
6. Timoshenko S.,Gere J M., Theory of elastic Stability, Mc Graw-Hill, New York, 1961.
7. Langhaar H. L., Energy Methods in Applied Mechanics, Mc Graw-Hill, New York, 1959
8.

Chuen-Yuan C., Nonlinear Analysis of Plates, Mc Graw-Hill, New York, 1980.

9. Reismann H., Elastic Plates, Theory and Applications, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1988.
10. Bulson P. S., The Stability of Plates, Elsevier, New York, 1969.
11. Bletzinger K. U., Theory of Plates, Part I and Part II, http://www.statik.bauwesen.tu-muenchen.de/
12. Deduced Thick Plate Solutions From Thin Plate Solutions,
http://www.eng.edu.sg./EResnews/9808/p8.html
13. Felippa C. A., Introduction to Finite Element Methods,
http://caswww.colorado.edu/courses.d/IFEM.d/Home.html
14. http://www.umr.edu/~umreec/web-courses/me334/section05/page176-180.html