CE 5512

PLATE STRUCTURES
T. Balendra
Associate Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
National University of Singapore

Chapter1

Introduction

Plates are flat surface structures whose thickness is small

compared to their other dimensions.

The loads are predominantly perpendicular to the plate surface.

The loads are resisted by two-dimensional structural action, as
such, lighter structures evolve.

Plates are used in buildings, bridges, hydraulic structures,

containers, airplanes, ships, machine parts, etc.

Chapter 1 Page 1 of 51
Chapter 1 Page 2 of 51
Chapter 1 Page 3 of 51
 non structural
curtain wall

A A
Annular slab

Observation Tower

Fixed
boundary
Free boundary

Annular plate fixed at

the inner edge and
free at the outer ege

Section A-A

Chapter 1 Page 4 of 51
 Conical shell

Cylindrical shell

Circular slab

Rectangular/
circular footing

Water Tank

When the subgrade is relatively soft and the footing is relatively

rigid, the soil pressure can be assumed to be uniform. Then the
footing can be analysed as

P/unit area

Consider a long rectangular plate subjected to a transverse load

that does not vary along the length of the plate (in y direction).

Chapter 1 Page 5 of 51
 a
x

b
A B 1
A B

Deflected shape at a considerable distance from the ends would

be cylindrical, with the axis of the cylinder parallel to the length
of the plate (y axis). As the plate bends in one direction, the
plate can be analysed as a beam by considering a strip AB of
unit width.

The deflection of this strip is given by the deflection of the beam

d 4w
4
= q( x) / EI
dx
where w is the deflection in z direction.
q(x) is the transverse load.
However, if the length of the plate is reduced, then the plate
would bend in two-directions and the two dimensional structural

Chapter 1 Page 6 of 51
action needs to be considered (bending rigidity in x & y
directions and torsional rigidity).

The deflection of the plate is then given by

∂4w ∂4w ∂4w q ( x, y )
+2 + =
∂x 4 ∂x 2∂y 2 ∂y 4 D

Et 3
where D =
12(1 − ν 2 )

In the case of beam, we assume that the axis of the beam as the
neutral axis where stress & strain are zero. Also, we assume that
the plane section perpendicular to the axis of the beam remains
perpendicular after bending --Euler Bernoulli hypothesis.

In the case of plate, the middle surface is taken to be the neutral

surface where stress and strain are zero. Also, we assume that
the normals to the middle surface before bending remain normal
to the middle surface after bending – Nevier Bernoulli
hypothesis.

In the case of circular plate with axisymmetric properties, the

governing equation:

Chapter 1 Page 7 of 51
 1 d ⎡ d ⎧ 1 d ⎛ dw ⎞ ⎫ ⎤ q ( r )
⎢ r ⎨ ⎜r ⎟ ⎬⎥ =
r dr ⎣ dr ⎩ r dr ⎝ dr ⎠ ⎭ ⎦ D

For a circular plate carrying uniform load of q/unit area, the

solution to the above equation takes the form

q0 r 4
w(r ) = + C1r 2log r + C2 r 2 + C3log r + C4
64 D
The constants are determined from the boundary condition.

Recall that the solution to uniformly loaded (q0) beam takes the
B B

d 4w q0
form, (integrate = )
dx 4 EI

q0 x 4
w( x) = + C1 x3 + C2 x 2 + C3 x + C4
24 EI
The constants are determined from the boundary condition.

For example consider a beam,

Chapter 1 Page 8 of 51
 q0/unit length

Boundary conditions,
dw
At x = 0, w = 0, =0
dx
d 2w
At x = L, w = 0, M = EI 2
=0
dx

Solution becomes

q0 L4 ⎛ x 2 x3 x4 ⎞
w( x) = ⎜ 3 − 5 3 + 2 4 ⎟⎟
48EI ⎜⎝ L2 L L ⎠

Elasticity
U

Stress-strain relationship (for homogenous, isotropic body)

U U

Chapter 1 Page 9 of 51
Consider a three dimensional solid. The stresses acting on an
element are shown below
dx

x
σ zz
σ zy
(x,y,z)

dy σ zx
dz
σ xx
σ xy
y z
σ yx
σ yy σ yz σ xz

The first subscript of σ denotes the plane on which the stress

acts, and the second subscript denotes the direction of stress.
σXX σYY σZZ : normal stresses
B B B B B B B

σXY σXZ σYZ : shear stresses

B B B B B B

Note: σXY = σYX

B B B B B B

σZX = σXZ
B B B B

σYZ = σZY
B B B B

Stresses on the front side of the element are positive if they act
in the positive direction of the axes. The stresses on the rear side
of the element are positive if they act in the negative direction of
the axes.

Chapter 1 Page 10 of 51
Associated with stresses there exists strains.
εXX εYY εZZ : direct strains
B B B B B B B

εXY εXZ εYZ : shear strains

B B B B B B

Note: εXY = εYX; εXZ = εZX; εYZ = εZY

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

Stresses and strains are related by Hooke’s law for linear elastic
material.

Consider a two dimensional element

y
σ xx σ xx

The element is subjected to a tensile stress of σXX in the x B B

direction. Then the tensile strain in the x direction is:

σ xx
ε xx = E: Young's modulus
E
The extension of the element in the x direction is accompanied
by a lateral strain component (contraction)
σ xx
ε yy = −νε xx = −ν
E
where ν is the poisson’s ratio.

Chapter 1 Page 11 of 51
If the element is subjected simultaneously to the action of
normal stresses σXX and σYY , then B B B B

strain in x direction would be

σ xx σ yy
ε xx = −ν
E E
strain in y direction would be
σ yy σ xx
ε yy = −ν
E E

Thus in a three dimensional element subjected to normal stresses

σXX, σYY & σZZ
B B B B B B B B B B

1
ε xx = [σ xx − ν (σ yy + σ zz )]
E
1
ε yy = [σ yy − ν (σ xx + σ zz )]
E (1)
1
ε zz = [σ zz − ν (σ xx + σ yy )]
E
σ yx
y ε xy
ε xy σ xy
σ xy σ yx
x

Chapter 1 Page 12 of 51
 σ xy 1
Shearing Strain ε xy = = γ xy
2G 2
E
G: shear modulus G= (2)
2(1 + ν )
σ xz σ yz
Similarly ε xz = ; ε yz =
2G 2G

γXY is the total change in the angle between the sides of the
B B

element.

Strain displacement relationship

U

Displacements: Three displacement components u, v & w are

required to describe the displacement of a point.
They are positive in the positive direction of x,
y
and z axes.

Chapter 1 Page 13 of 51
 x

dx
z dy
dz
A
P
y
B C

Let u, v & w be the displacements of P in x, y & z directions.

Then the displacement in the x direction of point A would be
∂u
u+ dx
∂x
∂u
The increase in length of PA is dx
∂x
Thus the elongation per unit length in x direction
∂u
εx = (3)
∂x
∂v ∂w
Similarly, εy = , εz =
∂y ∂z
Consider the distortion of the angle between PA & PB.

Chapter 1 Page 14 of 51
 x
P v A ∂v
P’ v+ dx
u ∂x
A’

y B B’

∂u
u+ dy
∂y

If u & v are the displacements of point P in x & y directions, the

displacement of A in y direction & displacement of B in x
∂v ∂u
directions are v + dx and u + dy , respectively.
∂x ∂y
∂v
Thus P’A’ is inclined to PA by an angle
∂x
∂u
P’B’ is inclined to PB by an angle
∂y

Hence the shearing strain between the planes xz and yz

1 1 ∂u ∂v
ε xy = γ xy = ( + )
2 2 ∂y ∂x

Chapter 1 Page 15 of 51
 1 1 ∂u ∂w
Similarly, ε xz = γ xz = ( + ) (4)
2 2 ∂z ∂x
1 1 ∂v ∂w
ε yz = γ yz = ( + )
2 2 ∂z ∂y

Chapter 1 Page 16 of 51
Bending of the plates
U

1 1
O
x

xyz axes are placed in the

y z middle plane of the plate
t
2

M
P
middle plane

M’ θy
P’
z
u
N’
θy
Deformation of Section 1-1

The plate is considered to be thin and of uniform thickness t.

The plate is initially flat.

Applied loading are transverse forces in z direction and

moments in x and y axes.
After loading, the point P displaces to P’ such that PP’ = w.

Chapter 1 Page 17 of 51
When w is small compared to thickness t, then the following
assumptions are valid.

a) normals to the middle plane before bending remain normal to

the middle plane after bending. – Nevier Bernoulli
hypothesis.
b) the middle plane remains a neutral plane during bending, i.e.
it
is not strained. εXX = εYY = εXY = 0 in the middle plane.
B B B B B B B B B B

c) the stress σZZ is negligible compared with other stresses.

B B B B

Assumption (a) implies that shear strain εZX & εZY are very B B B B B B

small.
Bending stresses σXX, σYY are much greater than shearing
B B B B B B

stresses σZX, σZY

B B B B B B

For a point z from P, the deflection in x direction

Chapter 1 Page 18 of 51
 u = z θy
where θy is the rotation of the middle plane at P about y axis.

Similarly, when deformation of section 2-2 is considered

v = -z θx

x
θx
θy
y

∂w ∂w
Since θ y = − & θx =
∂x ∂y
∂w ∂w
u = -z & v = -z
∂x ∂y

Then the strain displacement relationship (from (3) & (4))

become

∂u ∂2w
ε x = = -z 2
∂x ∂x
∂v ∂2w
ε y = = -z 2 (5)
∂y ∂y
1 ⎛ ∂u ∂v ⎞ ∂2w
ε xy = ⎜ + ⎟ = - z
2 ⎝ ∂y ∂x ⎠ ∂x∂y

Note:
U

Chapter 1 Page 19 of 51
 ∂2w
1. : Bending curvature in x direction
∂x 2
⎛ ∂w ⎞
-- rate of change of slope ⎜ ⎟ in x direction.
⎝ ∂x ⎠
x
∂w
∂x
∂2w
dx
∂x 2
w
∂w ∂ ⎛ ∂w ⎞ ∂w ∂ 2 w
+ ⎜ ⎟ dx = + dx
∂x ∂x ⎝ ∂x ⎠ ∂x ∂x 2
dx

∂2w
2. : Twist curvature
∂x∂y

⎛ ∂w ⎞
-- change of slope ⎜ ⎟ per unit distance in y direction
⎝ ∂x ⎠
or
⎛ ∂w ⎞
-- change of slope ⎜ ⎟ per unit distance in x
⎝ ∂y ⎠
direction.
x

∂w
z dy ∂x

∂w ∂ ⎛ ∂w ⎞
+ ⎜ ⎟ dy
y ∂x ∂y ⎝ ∂x ⎠

Chapter 1 Page 20 of 51
Moment curvature relationship
U

Consider the bending and twisting moments acting on an

element of unit width and breadth

x dA = 1 • dz
1

z 1
y

σσxxxx
t σ xy
t
2
z σ xy
2
σ yx
σ yx
σ yy
My σ yy Myx

Mx Mx Mxy

Mxy
My

Myx
positive direction for positive directions
bending moment for twisting moment

The moment resultant per unit width

Chapter 1 Page 21 of 51
 t t
2 2
Mx = ∫ zσ xx dA = ∫ zσ xx dz
t t
− −
2 2
t
2
My = ∫ zσ yy dz (6)
t
−
2
t
2
Myx = ∫ zσ yx dz
t
−
2
t
2
Mxy = − ∫ zσ xy dz = − Myx
t
−
2

In view of the assumption that σZ = 0, Eq(1) becomes

B B

1
ε xx = [σ xx -νσ yy ]
E
1
ε yy = [σ yy -νσ xx ]
E

E
Thus σ xx = (ε xx + νε yy )
1 −ν 2

E
σ yy = (ε yy + νε xx ) (7)
1 −ν 2

Chapter 1 Page 22 of 51
 E
In view of Eq(2), σ xy = ε xy
1 +ν

Substituting Eq(5) in Eq(7) leads to

E ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞
σ xx =− 2 ⎜⎜
+ν 2 ⎟ z
(1 − ν ) ⎝ ∂x 2
∂y ⎟⎠
E ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞
σ yy =− 2 ⎜⎜
+ν 2 ⎟ z
(1 − ν ) ⎝ ∂y 2
∂x ⎟⎠ (8)

E ⎛ ∂2w ⎞
σ xy =− ⎜ ⎟z
(1 + ν ) ⎜⎝ ∂x∂y ⎟⎠

Now substituting Eq(8) in Eq(6) yields

Chapter 1 Page 23 of 51
 t
E 2⎛ ∂ 2w ∂2w ⎞
Mx = − ( ∫ z dz ) ⎜ 2 + ν 2 ⎟
2
(1 − ν 2 ) t ⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎠
−
2
t t
2 ⎡z 3 ⎤2
t3
∫ z dz = ⎢ ⎥ =
2

−
t ⎣ 3 ⎦ − t 12
2 2

Et 3
Let D = , the flexural rigidity of the plate.
12(1 − ν ) 2

then
⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞
Mx = − D ⎜ 2 + ν 2 ⎟
⎜ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠
⎝
⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞
My = − D ⎜ 2 + ν 2 ⎟
⎜ ∂y ∂x ⎟⎠
⎝
t t
2 E 2 ⎛ ∂2w ⎞
Myx = − Mxy = ∫ zσ yx dz = − 2
( ∫ z dz ) ⎜ ⎟⎟
(1 + ν ) ⎜ ∂x∂y
−
t
−
t ⎝ ⎠
2 2

(9)
∂2w
= − D(1 − ν )
∂x∂y

Equilibrium Equation
U

Chapter 1 Page 24 of 51
 dx
x
Myx

My
z
Mx
Mxy ∂Mxy
dy Mxy + dx
∂x
∂Mx
Mx + dx
∂x
y ∂My
My + dy
∂y ∂Myx
Myx + dy
∂y
dx
x
Qx Qy

q(x,y)
dy

∂Qx
Qx + dx
∂x
y

∂Qy
Qy + dy
∂y

Qx, Qy are the shear force resultants per unit length. (N/m)
Mx, My, Mxy, Myx are the moment resultants per unit length.
(N•m/m).
q(x, y) load per unit area (N/m2). P P

When loadings on the plate are restricted to forces acting normal

to xy plane the following equilibrium equations are identically
satisfied.

Chapter 1 Page 25 of 51
 ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, ΣMz = 0.
B B B B B B

Thus the equilibrium of the plate in bending is governed by

ΣFz = 0, ΣMx = 0 & ΣMy = 0.
B B B B B B

ΣFz = 0:
B B

⎛ ∂Qx ⎞ ⎛ ∂Qy ⎞
⎜ Qx + dx ⎟ dy − Qxdy + ⎜ Qy + dy ⎟ dx − Qydx + q dxdy = 0
⎝ ∂x ⎠ ⎝ ∂y ⎠
∂Qx ∂Qy
+ +q=0 (10a)
∂x ∂y
ΣMx = 0:
⎛ ∂My ⎞ ⎛ ∂Mxy ⎞
Mydx − ⎜ My + dy ⎟ dx + ⎜ Mxy + dx ⎟ dy − Mxy dy
⎝ ∂y ⎠ ⎝ ∂x ⎠
⎛ ∂Qy ⎞ dy
+ ⎜ Qy + dy ⎟ dxdy + q dxdy = 0
⎝ ∂y ⎠ 2
Neglecting higher order terms:
∂My ∂Mxy
− − Qy = 0
∂y ∂x
∂My ∂Myx
Qy = +
∂y ∂x
(10b)

ΣMy = 0:
∂Mx ∂Myx
+ − Qx = 0
∂x ∂y

Chapter 1 Page 26 of 51
 ∂Mx ∂Myx
Qx = +
∂x ∂y
(10c)

Substituting Eq(9) in Eq(10c) leads to

∂ ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞ ∂3w

Qx = − D ⎜ 2 + ν 2 ⎟ − D(1 − ν )
∂x ⎜⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠ ∂x∂y 2

∂ ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞ ∂
Qx = − D ⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟ = − D (∇ 2 w)
∂x ⎜⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠ ∂x

(11a)
Similarly,

∂ ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞ ∂3w

Qy = − D ⎜ 2 + ν 2 ⎟ − D(1 − ν ) 2
∂y ⎜⎝ ∂y ∂x ⎟⎠ ∂x ∂y

∂ ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞ ∂
Qy = − D ⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟ = − D (∇ 2 w)
∂y ⎜⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠ ∂y

(11b)

⎛ ∂2 ∂2 ⎞
where ∇ = ⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟ Laplace operator
2
⎜ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠
⎝

Substituting Eqs(11a) & (11b) in Eq(10a) yields

Chapter 1 Page 27 of 51
 ∂⎛ ∂ 2 ⎞ ∂⎛ ∂ 2 ⎞
⎜ − D (∇ w) ⎟ + ⎜ − D (∇ w) ⎟ + q = 0
∂x ⎝ ∂x ⎠ ∂y ⎝ ∂y ⎠
⎛ ∂2 ∂2 ⎞ 2 q
⎜⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟⎟ ∇ w = D
⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎠

∇4 w = q
D
(12)
2
2 2 ⎛ ∂ ∂2 ⎞ ∂4 ∂4 ∂4
2
where ∇ = ∇ ∇ = ⎜ 2 + 2 ⎟ = 4 + 2 2 2 + 4
4
⎜ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠ ∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y
⎝

Eq(12) is the governing equation for bending of isotropic thin

plates of uniform thickness in Cartesian coordinates.

Stress distribution at a section

U

Chapter 1 Page 28 of 51
In view of Eqs 8(a) & 9(a)
E Mx 12
σ xx = + z = Mx z
(1 − ν 2 ) D t3
Similarly, (13)
12
σ yy = My z
t3
12
σ yx =
3
Myx z
t
12
σ xy =−
3
Mxy z
t

Eq(13) implies that stress varies linearly across the cross

section.

Maximum stresses occur at z = ± t

2
6
(σ xx ) max = (σ xx ) z =± t = ± Mx
2 t2
6
(σ yy ) max = (σ yy ) z =± t = ± My
2 t2
(14)
6
(σ yx ) max = (σ yx ) z =± t = ± 2
Myx
2 t
6
(σ xy ) max = (σ xy ) z =± t = m 2
Mxy
2 t

Chapter 1 Page 29 of 51
 x

σσxzxz due to Qx
+

-
y σσxyxy due to Mxy
-
t - -
t
2 +
+
σσxxxx due to Mx
2 +
+ σσ yxyx σσyzyz
σσ yyyy due to
Myx
due to Qy

due to My

Chapter 1 Page 30 of 51
Boundary conditions

Since the plate equation Eq(12) is of order 4, the solution would

contain 4 constants of integration, which are determined from
the boundary conditions; 2 on each edge of the plate.

Kinematic and Static Boundary conditions

Kinematic Static
Deflection shear (a)
Slope moments
(b)

Two boundary conditions are made up of one condition from (a)

and another one from (b).

a) Clamped Edge

Chapter 1 Page 31 of 51
 x

At x = 0, w = 0
∂w (15)
=0
∂x

b) Simply supported edge

U

At x = 0, w = 0
(16)
Mx = 0
VIZ
⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞
Mx = − D ⎜ 2 + ν 2 ⎟ =0 (16b)
⎜ ∂x ∂ ⎟
⎝ y ⎠ x =0

Chapter 1 Page 32 of 51
 Note that the plate is flat along the y direction at x = 0. i.e.
∂w
∂y
is zero along the edge.
∂2w
Thus = 0 at x = 0.
∂y 2

∂2w
In view of Eq 16(b), =0
∂x 2

Thus the boundary conditions for simply supported edge are

w=0
∂2w at x = 0 (17)
=0
∂x 2
c) Free edge
Suppose the edge x = 0 is free, then we must have Mx = 0,
B B

Mxy = 0 and Qx = 0 at x = 0.
B B B B

The above condition would give three equations which are too
many to accommodate in thin plate theory.

The difficulty is overcome by replacing the twisting moment

by
vertical forces.

Chapter 1 Page 33 of 51
 x

z
l
l
y

Mxy
∂Mxy
Mxy + dy
∂y
l
l

Mxy
∂Mxy
Mxy + dy
∂y

By replacing Mxy per unit length by vertical forces,

B B

∂Mxy ∂Myx
Resultant downward force per unit length = − =+
∂y ∂y

Thus the nett shear stress resultant which is called as the

supplementary shear stress resultant

Chapter 1 Page 34 of 51
 ∂Myx
Vx = Qx +
∂y
(18)
∂Myx
Similarly, Vy = Qy +
∂x
x

Vx
y
Vy

Substituting Eqs(9) & (11) in Eq(18) leads to

∂ ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞
Vx = − D ⎜ 2 + (2 − ν ) 2 ⎟
∂x ⎜⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠
(19)
∂ ⎛∂ w2
∂ w⎞
2
Vy = − D ⎜ + (2 − ν ) ⎟
∂y ⎝⎜ ∂y 2 ∂x 2 ⎠⎟

The boundary conditions at the free edge x = 0

(Vx ) x =0 = 0
( Mx ) x=0 = 0

Chapter 1 Page 35 of 51
VIZ
∂3w ∂3w
+ (2 − ν ) =0
∂x3 ∂x∂y 2
(20)
∂ w 2
∂ w
2
+ν =0
∂x 2 ∂y 2

Chapter 1 Page 36 of 51
Corner force
x

1
y 1 R

Mxy
Myx

When Mxy is replaced by vertical forces, a downward force of

B B

Mxy is left over at the corner.

B B

Similarly an upward force Myx is left over at the same corner.

B B

Thus the nett downward corner force

R = Mxy − Myx = 2 Mxy = −2 Myx

∂2w
R = 2 D(1 − ν ) (21)
∂x∂y
x
2Mxy 2 Mxy

2Mxy 2Mxy
y

Chapter 1 Page 37 of 51
The corner forces need to be provided as externally applied
forces if the corners are not to move.

For a plate carrying uniformly distributed load, at all four

corners the corner forces will be directed downwards. Thus
downward forces need to be applied to prevent the corners from
rising.

If corner forces are not provided, the corners will lift up as

indicated below. For reinforced concrete slabs, when lifting up
of the corners is not prevented, special corner reinforcements are
required to eliminate local failure.

Summary:

Chapter 1 Page 38 of 51
For isotropic thin plate

∂4w ∂4w ∂4w

∇ w=
4
+2 + =q (22)
∂x 4 ∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂y 4 D

∂2w ∂2w
Mx = − D( +ν )
∂x 2 ∂y 2
∂2w ∂2w
My = − D( +ν ) (23)
∂y 2 ∂x 2
∂2w
Myx = − D(1 − ν ) = − Mxy
∂x∂y

∂ 2
Qx = − D (∇ w)
∂x
(24)
∂
Qy = − D (∇ 2 w)
∂y

∂Myx ∂ ⎛ ∂2w ∂2w ⎞

Vx = Qx + = − D ⎜ 2 + (2 − ν ) 2 ⎟
∂y ∂x ⎜⎝ ∂x ∂y ⎟⎠
(25)
∂Myx ∂ ⎛∂ w ∂ w⎞
2 2
Vy = Qy + = − D ⎜ 2 + (2 − ν ) 2 ⎟
∂x ∂y ⎜⎝ ∂y ∂x ⎟⎠

Et 3
D=
12(1 − ν 2 )

Note 1:

mπ x mπ x ⎤
a
a
⎡ a
∫ sin dx = − ⎢ cos
0 a ⎣ mπ a ⎥⎦ 0

Chapter 1 Page 39 of 51
 a
=− [cos mπ − cos 0]
mπ
a
=− [cos mπ − 1]
mπ
2a
, m=1,3,5...
= mπ
0, m=2,4,6...

Thus
ba
mπ x nπ y ⎛ b nπ y ⎞⎛ a mπ x ⎞
∫ ∫ sin sin dxdy = ⎜ ∫ sin dy ⎟⎜ ∫ sin dx ⎟
00 a b ⎝0 b ⎠⎝ 0 a ⎠
=
⎛ 2b ⎞⎛ 2a ⎞
⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟ ,for m=1,3,5...; n=1,3,5...
⎝ nπ ⎠⎝ mπ ⎠
0, for m or n=2,4,6...

Note 2:
b
nπ y n 'π y
∫ sin sin dy = 0 when n ≠ n'
0 b b
=b when n = n'
2

Fourier Analysis of plate loading into a double Fourier Sine

series
∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
Let q ( x, y ) = ∑ ∑ qmn sin sin
m =1 n =1 a b

Chapter 1 Page 40 of 51
 πx πy 2π x π y mπ x nπ y
= q11 sin sin + q21 sin sin + ... + qmn sin sin
a b a b a b

(26)
b
nπ y n 'π y
∫ sin sin dy = 0 when n ≠ n'
0 b b
=b when n = n'
2
mπ x nπ y
Multiply each side of the above equation by sin sin
a b
and integrate between 0 and a for x and 0 and b for y, the only
non zero contribution from the right hand side is:
ab
mπ x 2 nπ y ab
∫ ∫ q mn sin
2
sin dxdy ⇒ q mn
00 a b 4

4 ab mπ x nπ y
Thus q mn = ∫ ∫ q(x,y)sin sin dxdy
ab 0 0 a b
(27)

For example if q(x,y) = q0 B

4q 0 a b mπ x nπ y
Then q mn = ∫∫ sin sin dxdy
ab 0 0 a b
=
4 ⎛ 4ab ⎞
q0 ⎜ ⎟, when m & n are odd
ab ⎝ mnπ 2 ⎠
0, when m & n are even
Example 1:
Simply supported rectangular plate under arbitrary loading

Chapter 1 Page 41 of 51
 a

q(x,y)
b

An arbitrary load q(x,y) may be represented by a double

trigonometric series of the form:
∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
q ( x, y ) = ∑ ∑ qmn sin sin (28)
m =1 n =1 a b
where
4 ab mπ x nπ y
q mn = ∫ ∫ q ( x, y )sin sin dxdy (29)
ab 0 0 a b

The boundary conditions

∂2w
w=0, =0 at x=0, x=a
∂x 2
(30)
∂ w
2
w=0, =0 at y=0, y=b
∂y 2

Total solution w(x,y) to the plate problem may be obtained as

w(x,y)=w c (x,y)+w p (x,y)

Chapter 1 Page 42 of 51
where ∇ 4 w c =0
q
∇4 w p =
D

w c : complementary solution. It gives non zero deflection only

when edge forces are acting.
w p : particular integral, establishes equilibrium with transverse

loading.

The total solution must satisfy the boundary conditions in

addition to the governing equation.

Consider a deflection function

∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
w(x,y)= ∑ ∑ Cmn sin sin (31)
m =1 n =1 a b
The above function satisfied all the boundary condition

Chapter 1 Page 43 of 51
Substituting the above displacement function into the plate
equation
⎛ ∂4w ∂4w ∂4w ⎞ q ( x, y )
⎜⎜ 4 + 2 2 2 + 4 ⎟⎟ w(x,y) = D
⎝ ∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y ⎠
∞ ∞ m 4π 4 2m 2 n 2π 4 n 4π 4 mπ x nπ y
∑ ∑ Cmn( + + )sin sin
m =1 n =1 a4
a 2b 2 b4 a b
1 ∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
= ∑ ∑ qmn sin sin
D m =1 n =1 a b

qmn
Thus Cmn =
⎡ m 4π 4 2m 2 n 2π 4 n 4π 4 ⎤
D⎢ 4 + 2 2
+ 4 ⎥
⎣ a a b b ⎦
qmn
= 2
4⎛m n2 ⎞
2
π ⎜ 2 + 2⎟ D
⎝a b ⎠
Hence
∞ ∞ qmn mπ x nπ y
w(x,y)= ∑ ∑ sin sin (32)
2 ⎞2
4⎛m
m =1 n =1 2
n a b
π ⎜ 2 + ⎟ D
⎝a b2 ⎠
Since w(x, y) is constructed to satisfy the governing equation, it
is the particular integral. However, since the chosen function
satisfies the boundary conditions as well, it is the total solution.

Chapter 1 Page 44 of 51
Example 2:
A rectangular plate of size a×2a carries a uniformly distributed
load q per unit area. Find the central deflection and the principal
bending moments at the centre.

Let us express the load q as

∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
q = ∑ ∑ qmn sin sin
m =1 n =1 a 2a

Chapter 1 Page 45 of 51
Note the shape of the harmonics

m=1 n=1

x=0 x=a y=0 y=2a

m=2 n=2

Since the load is symmetrical about the centre lines of the plate,
all of its components must be symmetrical about the centre line.

Thus both m & n must be odd.

∞ ∞ mπ x nπ y
q= ∑ ∑ qmn sin sin
m =1,3,5 n =1,3,5 a 2a
2 a 2a
mπ x nπ y 16q
qmn = 2∫ ∫
qsin sin dxdy = 2
a 0 0 a 2a π mn
16q ∞ ∞1 mπ x nπ y
q= ∑ ∑ sin sin
π 2 m =1,3,5 n =1,3,5 mn a 2a
In view of Eq 32,
∞ ∞ 16qa 4 mπ x nπ y
w(x,y)= ∑ ∑ 2
sin sin
m =1,3,5 n =1,3,5 ⎛ 2 n2 ⎞ a 2a
π mn ⎜ m + ⎟ D
6

⎝ 4 ⎠

At the centre of the plate x = a , y = a

2
mπ nπ
∞ ∞ 16qa 4 sin
sin
a 2 2
w( ,a)= ∑ ∑ 2
2 m =1,3 n =1,3 ⎛ 2 n2 ⎞
Dπ mn ⎜ m + ⎟
6

⎝ 4 ⎠

Chapter 1 Page 46 of 51
 16qa 4 1 1 1
= { − +
Dπ 6 ⎛ 1⎞
2
⎛ 9⎞
2
⎛ 25 ⎞
2
1 × 1⎜1 + ⎟ 1 × 3 ⎜1 + ⎟ 1× 5 ⎜ 1 + ⎟
⎝ 4⎠ ⎝ 4⎠ ⎝ 4 ⎠
1 1
− 2
+ 2
}
⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 9⎞
3 × 1⎜ 32 + ⎟ 3 × 3 ⎜ 32 + ⎟
⎝ 4⎠ ⎝ 4⎠
16qa 4
= {0.64 − 0.032 + 0.004 − 0.004 + 0.0009}
Dπ 6

0.01qa 4
≈
D

Consider the (m, n)th component of the deflection

⎛ mπ ⎞ mπ x nπ y
2
∂2w 16qa 4
= − ⎜ ⎟ sin sin
∂x 2 ⎝ a ⎠ 2
π mn ⎛⎜ m 2 + n 4 ⎞⎟ D
6 2 a 2a
⎝ ⎠
⎛ nπ ⎞ mπ x nπ y
2
∂2w 16qa 4
= − ⎜ ⎟ sin sin
∂y 2 ⎝ 2a ⎠ 2
π mn ⎛⎜ m 2 + n 4 ⎞⎟ D
6 2 a 2a
⎝ ⎠

Chapter 1 Page 47 of 51
 ∂2w ∂2w
Mx = − D( +ν )
∂x 2 ∂y 2
∂2w ∂2w
My = − D( +ν )
∂y 2 ∂x 2
⎛ 2 n2 ⎞
⎜ m +ν ⎟
16qa 2 ∞ ∞
⎝ 4 ⎠ mπ x nπ y
Mx = ∑ ∑ sin sin
π 4 m =1,3 n =1,3 ⎛ 2 n 2 ⎞2 a 2a
mn ⎜ m + ⎟
⎝ 4 ⎠
⎛ n2 2⎞
⎜ + ν m ⎟
16qa 2 ∞ ∞ ⎝ 4 ⎠ sin mπ x sin nπ y
My = ∑ ∑
π 4 m =1,3 n =1,3 ⎛ 2 n 2 ⎞2 a 2a
mn ⎜ m + ⎟
⎝ 4 ⎠

Because of the terms m2 & n2 in the numerator, the series for

P P P P

moment expression converges slower than the series for

deflection.

At x = a , y = a , for ν = 0.3
2
16qa 2 1.075 1.675
( Mx )centre = { −
π4
( ) ( )
2 2
1× 1 1 + 1 1× 3 1 + 9
4 4
9.075
− .....}
( )
2
3 ×1 9 + 1
4

Chapter 1 Page 48 of 51
 16qa 2
= {0.688 − 0.053 − 0.035.....} = 0.098qa 2
π4

16qa 2 0.55 1.3

( My )centre = { − .....
π
( ) ( )
4 2 2
1× 1 1 + 1 1× 3 1 + 9
4 4
2.95
− }
( )
2
3 ×1 9 + 1
4
16qa 2
= {0.352 − 0.041 − 0.011.....} = 0.049qa 2
π4

a
x

b
Mx B B

y My B B

Table: Numerical Factors α, β, γ, δ, n for Uniformly Loaded and Simply Supported

Rectangular Plates. ν = 0.3

Chapter 1 Page 49 of 51
 wmax
B B (Mx)max (My)max (Qx)max (Qy)max (Vx)max (Vy)max
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B R
b/a qa 4 =βqa
2
=β1qa2 =γqa =γ1qa =δqa =δ1qa =nqa2 P

=α
P
P P B B P P B B B B

D
α β β1 B B γ γ1 B B δ δ1 B B
n
1.0 0.00406 0.0479 0.0479 0.338 0.338 0.420 0.420 0.065
1.1 0.00485 0.0554 0.0493 0.360 0.347 0.440 0.440 0.070
1.2 0.00564 0.0627 0.0501 0.380 0.353 0.455 0.453 0.074
1.3 0.00638 0.0694 0.0503 0.397 0.357 0.468 0.464 0.079
1.4 0.00705 0.0755 0.0502 0.411 0.361 0.478 0.471 0.083

1.5 0.00772 0.0812 0.0498 0.424 0.363 0.486 0.480 0.085

1.6 0.00830 0.0862 0.0492 0.435 0.365 0.491 0.485 0.086
1.7 0.00883 0.0908 0.0486 0.444 0.367 0.496 0.488 0.088
1.8 0.00931 0.0948 0.0479 0.452 0.368 0.499 0.491 0.090
1.9 0.00974 0.0985 0.0471 0.459 0.369 0.502 0.494 0.091

2.0 0.01013 0.1017 0.0464 0.465 0.370 0.503 0.496 0.092

3.0 0.01223 0.1189 0.0406 0.493 0.372 0.505 0.498 0.093
4.0 0.01282 0.1235 0.0384 0.498 0.372 0.502 0.500 0.094
5.0 0.01297 0.1246 0.0375 0.500 0.372 0.501 0.500 0.095
∞ 0.01302 0.1250 0.0375 0.500 0.372 0.500 0.500 0.095

b x

y
Table: Deflections and Bending Moments in a Uniformly Loaded Rectangular Plate
with
Built-in Edges. ν = 0.3

Chapter 1 Page 50 of 51
b/a (w)x=0, y=0 (Mx)x=a/2,y=0 (My)x=0,y=b/2
B B B B B B B B B B (Mx)x=0,
B B B (My)x=0,
B B B

y=0 B

y=0 B

1.0 0.00126qa4/D
P P -0.0513qa2 P P -0.0513qa2 P P 0.0231qa2 P P 0.0231qa2 P P

1.1 0.00150qa4/D
P P -0.0581qa2 P P -0.0538qa2 P P 0.0264qa2 P P 0.0231qa2 P P

1.2 0.00172qa4/D
P P -0.0639qa2 P P -0.0554qa2 P P 0.0299qa2 P P 0.0228qa2 P P

4 2 2 2 2
1.3 0.00191qa /D
P P -0.0687qa P P -0.0563qa P P 0.0327qa P P 0.0222qa P P

1.4 0.00207qa4/D
P P -0.0726qa2 P P -0.0568qa2 P P 0.0349qa2 P P 0.0212qa2 P P

1.5 0.00220qa4/D
P P -0.0757qa2 P P -0.0570qa2 P P 0.0368qa2 P P 0.0203qa2 P P

1.6 0.00230qa4/D
P P -0.0780qa2 P P -0.0571qa2 P P 0.0381qa2 P P 0.0193qa2 P P

1.7 0.00238qa4/D
P P -0.0799qa2 P P -0.0571qa2 P P 0.0392qa2 P P 0.0182qa2 P P

1.8 0.00245qa4/D
P P -0.0812qa2 P P -0.0571qa2 P P 0.0401qa2 P P 0.0174qa2 P P

1.9 0.00249qa4/D
P P -0.0822qa2 P P -0.0571qa2 P P 0.0407qa2 P P 0.0165qa2 P P

2.0 0.00254qa4/D
P P -0.0829qa2 P P -0.0571qa2 P P 0.0412qa2 P P 0.0158qa2 P P

∞ 0.00260qa4/D
P P -0.0833qa2 P P -0.0571qa2 P P 0.0417qa2 P P 0.0125qa2 P P

Chapter 1 Page 51 of 51