Hybrid analysis of plate problems

For the problem of plates on yielding subgrades, with deflections larger than allowed according to the classical theory of thin plates, a geometric nonlinear theory has been introduced, which led to two simultaneous differential equations depending on one another. These constitutive equations cannot be solved without further information about the response of the subgrade. Therefore, and hybrid technique has been applied. By means of moiré and photoelastic methods, experimental data have been obtained. These are introduced into the constitutive equations, which then can be solved without any mathematical difficulties.