Theory and analysis of elastic plates

Written by a leading expert in the field, this text, in one volume, presents a complete and up-to-date treatment of the theory and analysis of elastic plates. It is the only text to provide detailed coverage of classic and shear deformation plate theories and their solutions by analytical, as well as numerical methods, for bending, buckling, and natural vibrations. Analytical solutions are based on the Navier and Levy solution methods, and numerical solutions are based on the Rayleigh-Ritz method and the finite element method. Topics covered include: basic equations of elasticity, virtual work and energy principles, cylindrical bending of plates, circular plates, rectangular plates, and on introduction to the finite element method with applications to plates. Extensive illustrations and tables of numerical solutions are provided, as well as end of the chapter exercises and references for additional reading. This book is suitable not only as a text for students in civil, aerospace, and mechanical engineering, but also as a reference for researchers in solid and structural mechanics.