On the foundations of the nonlinear theory of the cylindrical deformation of thin elastic plates (Q760253)

Equations for the cylindrical deformation of thin plates are derived from the equations of three-dimensional nonlinear elasticity by the method of asymptotic integration. It is assumed that deflection components are of the order of the lateral dimensions of the plate and that strain components are small. Nonlinear constitutive equations are used in the model. It is found that the middle surface is inextensible in the lowest order approximation. Middle surface extensibility comes in at the next order of approximation. The range of validity of the theory is examined by considering the solution of some simple problems.