Three-dimensional elasticity solutions to some orthotropic plate problems

This paper presents a three-dimensional analysis of rectangular orthotropic plates by employing the differential quadrature (DQ) method. The derivation of the governing equations from the governing equations and the stress-strain relationship of the three-dimensional elasticity model is detailed. The constrained conditions of the orthotropic plate edges are given. The governing equations and boundary conditions are first normalized and discretized according to the DQ procedure. Example problems pertaining to the bending, buckling and free vibration of orthotropic plates with generic boundary conditions are selected to illustrate the simplicity and applicability of the DQ method. The convergence characteristics of the DQ method are first obtained based on numerical studies, after which, the DQ solutions are compared, where possible, with exact solutions. It is found that the DQ method yields accurate results for the plate problems under investigation. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.