Bending of rectangular orthotropic thin plates with rotationally restrained edges: A finite integral transform solution

The present study deals with the bending of rectangular orthotropic thin plates with rotationally restrained edges under arbitrary transverse loads. The finite integral transform method is herein applied to obtain exact analytical solution. Unlike the conventional superposition method, the proposed method is simple and straightforward with more accurate results. In order to reflect the relative stiffness of the plate and the rotational elastic restraints, a new rotational fixity factor is introduced to define elastic restraints against rotation along edges and a general boundary condition will be presented. Simply supported or clamped edges turn out to be particular, limiting situations. The effect of rotational restraints, load distributions and aspect ratios on plate bending is investigated by comprehensive numerical results. The accuracy and convergence of the present formulation are assessed by comparing with previously reported results. Excellent agreements are reached and some new results are provided for further comparison by other methods.