A Contribution regarding the Problem of Large Deflection of Plates

An approximation method for a flat plate with large deflection is proposed : firstly the deflection and bending stresses are calculated, assuming the radial membrane stress to be distributed uniformly, then membrane stresses can be obtained by using the result of the deflection. Computations are carried out for the uniformly loaded circular plates with edges clamped or supported. The deflections and stresses agree with the exact solutions within the accuracy required for engineering purposes.