Summary

Dealing with the classical plate theory most commonly used for the analysis of thin metallic plate structures. This book deduces the basic assumptions of plate theory as logical inferences from a three-dimensional elasticity solution for a thin rectangular slab. In addition, the elasticity results are used to verify the accuracy of the plate theory. Areas like statics, dynamics as well as stability of plates are discussed alongside a lucid explanation of the theory, exact and approximate solution methodologies. The approach adopted throughout enables the reader to easily progress on to the study of state-of-the-art topics such as geometric and material nonlinearities, refined plate theories accounting for warping and stretching of the normal and laminated construction and material orthotropy typical of fibre-reinforced composites.