Calculation of simply supported circular plates in the statement of the problem of contact interaction in a package of two plates

The possibility of applying the mechanicomathematical model of bending of a package of transversely isotropic plates to approximate calculations of thick plates is investigated. Within the frame work of this model, the problem of axisymmetric bending of a package of two identical plates with simply supported edges is considered. The conditions of rigid contact are given between the plates. Based on the analytical result obtained, the unknown distribution of stresses and displacements across the thickness of the plate is approximated by the distribution of corresponding parameters in the package of two plates. For an isotropic body, the results of numerical calculations are compared with those given by the 3D theory of elasticity. In the case of a transversely isotropic body, a comparison with the results found by the refined bending model of plates (taking into account the transverse compression and shear) and the Timoshenko model is carried out. The accuracy to which the boundary conditions in every model are satisfied is analyzed. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 603–616, September–October, 2007.