Three-dimensional elasticity solutions to some orthotropic plate problems

This paper presents a three!dimensional analysis of rectangular orthotropic plates by employing the di}erential quadrature "DQ# method[ The derivation of the governing equations from the governing equa! tions and the stress strain relationship of the three!dimensional elasticity model is detailed[ The constrained conditions of the orthotropic plate edges are given[ The governing equations and boundary conditions are _rst normalized and discretized according to theDQprocedure[ Example problems pertaining to the bendingbuckling and free vibration of orthotropic plates with generic boundary conditions are selected to illustrate the simplicity and applicability of the DQ method[ The convergence characteristics of the DQ method are _rst obtained based on numerical studies\ after which\ the DQ solutions are compared\ where possible\ with exact solutions[ It is found that the DQ method yields accurate results for the plate problems under investigation