A complex fourth-order differential equation is derived for the normal displacement of the middle surface of a thin orthotropic plate subjected to transverse pressure. The displacement equation is solved for the problem of a circular plate which is clamped around its edge and bent by a typical general force applied to one face. Particular cases of the general solution are used to investigate the bending of the circular plate under the action of (1) a uniform pressure and (2) a linearly varying pressure. The normal displacement of the middle surface is also determined when the applied force varies as the square of the distance from the centre of the plate.
展开▼
