Dynamic response of an elliptic plate to impact loading: Theory and experiment

The paper presents an analytical approach to investigating vibrations of an elliptic plate upon impact with an indenter having a hemispherical end. The approach is based on expanding the sought for functions to trigonometric series. The dynamic behaviour of the plate is described in terms of the Timoshenko-type theory that accounts for transverse shear strains and rotary inertia of the normal. Cases of impact in the plate focus and centre have been investigated. Theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental data obtained by using the dynamic wide-range strain measurement technique.