On new symplectic superposition method for exact bending solutions of rectangular cantilever thin plates

A novel superposition method based on the symplectic geometry approach is presented for exact bending analysis of rectangular cantilever thin plates. The basic equations for rectangular thin plate are first transferred into Hamilton canonical equations. By the symplectic geometry method, the analytic solutions to some problems for plates with slidingly supported edges are derived. Then the exact bending solutions of rectangular cantilever thin plates are obtained using the method of superposition. The symplectic superposition method developed in this paper is completely rational compared with the conventional analytical ones because the predetermination of deflection functions, which is indispensable in existing methods, is dispelled.

Research highlights
► We develop a novel superposition method for plate bending problems.
► Exact bending solutions of rectangular cantilever thin plates are obtained.
► The method is completely rational, unlike the conventional analytical ones.
► The approach can be extended to more related problems.