Theory and refined theory of elasticity for transversely isotropic plates and a new theory for tnick plates

A theory of elasticity for the bending of transversely isotropic plates has been developed from the basic equations of elasticity in terms of displacements for transversely isotropic bodies, which takes into account the loads distributed over the surfaces of the plates. Based on this theory, a refined theory of plates which can satisfy three boundary conditions along each edge of the plates and a new theory of thick plates are established. The solution of the refined theory for simply supported polygonal plates has been obtained; and its numerical result is very close to the exact solution of the three-dimensional theory of elasticity. A systematic comparison with the former theories of thick plates shows that the present theory of thick plates is closest to the result of the theory of elasticity.