Theory for Circular Plates Using Higher Order Approximations

A higher order theory for thick axi-symmetric circular plates which is an extension of Reissner's shear deformation theory is presented using a variational approach. This consists in assuming a stress and displacement field which satisfies the physical requirements of the problem as nearly as possible. Thus starting with an assumed displacement field in the form of a higher order truncated polynomial in the thickness co-ordinate, (the coefficients being arbitrary functions of the other variables), and a consistent stress state satisfying the boundary conditions on the top and bottom faces of the plate, the governing equations and the associated boundary conditions along the edges are obtained through the variational theorem of Reissner.