Plate (structure)
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A plate is a structural element which is characterized by two key properties. Firstly, its geometric configuration is a three-dimensional solid whose thickness is very small when compared with other dimensions. Secondly, the effects of the loads that are expected to be applied on it only generate stresses whose resultants are, in practical terms, exclusively normal to the element's thickness.
Thin plates are initially flat structural members bounded by two parallel planes, called faces, and a cylindrical surface, called an edge or boundary. The generators of the cylindrical surface are perpendicular to the plane faces. The distance between the plane faces is called the thickness (h) of the plate. It will be assumed that the plate thickness is small compared with other characteristic dimensions of the faces (length, width, diameter, etc.). Geometrically, plates are bounded either by straight or curved boundaries. The static or dynamic loads carried by plates are predominantly perpendicular to the plate faces.[1]
See also
The load-carrying action of a plate is similar, to a certain extent, to that of beams or cables; thus, plates can be approximated by a gridwork of an infinite number of beams or by a network of an infinite number of cables, depending on the flexural rigidity of the structures. This two-dimensional structural action of plates results in lighter structures, and therefore offers numerous economic advantages. The plate, being originally flat, develops shear forces, bending and twisting moments to resist transverse loads. Because the loads are generally carried in both directions and because the twisting rigidity in isotropic plates is quite significant, a plate is considerably stiffer than a beam of comparable span and thickness. So, thin plates combine light weight and a form efficiency with high load-carrying capacity, economy, and technological effectiveness. Because of the distinct advantages discussed above, thin plates are extensively used in all fields of engineering. Plates are used in architectural structures, bridges, hydraulic structures, pavements, containers, airplanes, missiles, ships, instruments, machine parts, etc [2]
References
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