A variational principle for large axisymmetric strain of incompressible circular plates (Q1081369)

A generalized variational principle is established for large axisymmetric deformation of a circular plate composed of an incompressible, hyperelastic material. Independent variation of stresses, strains, displacements and boundary tractions provides the field equations and boundary conditions for arbitrarily large strain with transverse shear deformation neglected. Based on the principle of stationary potential energy, a Rayleigh-Ritz technique yields approximate solutions for clamped and hinged plates under uniform surface pressure. Coupling between bending and membrane action induces significant alterations in the stress behavior, especially near the edge of the clamped plate.