On the finite integral transform method for exact bending solutions of fully clamped orthotropic rectangular thin plates

Exact bending solutions of fully clamped orthotropic rectangular thin plates subjected to arbitrary loads are derived using the finite integral transform method. In the proposed mathematical method one does not need to predetermine the deformation function because only the basic governing equations of the classical plate theory for orthotropic plates are used in the procedure. Therefore, unlike conventional semi-inverse methods, it serves as a completely rational and accurate model in plate bending analysis. The applicability of the method is extensive, and it can handle plates with different loadings in a uniform procedure, which is simpler than previous methods. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the approach as compared with those previously reported in the bibliography. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.