Discrete Fourier-series method in problems of bending of variable-thickness rectangular plates

The approach to the solution of the boundary-value problems of bending of elastic rectangular plates of variable thickness is presented. It is proposed to introduce into the resolving system of partial differential equations additional functions which enables the variables to be formally separated and the problem to be reduced to a unidimensional one by representing all the functions as a Fourier series in a single coordinate. In this case the problem can be solved by the stable numerical method of discrete orthogonalization. To calculate the additional functions, Fourier series of discretely assigned functions with allowance for variations in the plate thickness are used. The boundary-value problems for rectangular plates of variable thickness were solved assuming that their weight is unchanged.