On the Analysis of Thick Rectangular Plates

Thick rectangular plates are investigated using the method of initial functions proposed by Vlasov. The governing equations are derived from the three-dimensional elasticity equations using a MacLaurin series approach. As the governing equations can be obtained in the form of series, approximate theories of any desired order can be constructed easily by proper truncation. An exact solution is obtained for an allround simply supported thick plate using a Navier type solution. A Levy type solution for higher order theories is illustrated for the case of a thick plate with two opposite edges simply supported and other two edges clamped. Numerical results obtained are compared with those of classical, Reissner and Srinivas et al. solutions.