The influence of temperature gradient on thin plates bending

Within the theory of thermo-elasticity, the temperature field of thin plates is commonly defined via two parameters: temperature in the mid-plane and linear temperature gradient normal to the mid-plane. First, the paper analytically proves the justification of that assumption in machine structures. Then, in an analytical closed form, applying the integral transformation method, the thin plate deflection caused by a constant temperature gradient is defined. It is shown that, in that case, the plate deflection does not depend on its thickness but only on the plate dimensions in the mid-plane. Analytically defined values are compared to corresponding values obtained by applying the thin plate finite element, where the temperature field is described using the two mentioned parameters. This finite element is defined and programmed within the Komips program package. The influence of the temperature gradient on the behavior of constructions mostly depends on the type of material. That is why the behavior of some structural elements made of brass, steel, and concrete is analyzed in this paper.