This paper develops the general solution of high-order partial differential equations (PDEs) that govern the static behavior of transversely inhomogeneous, anisotropic, elastic plates, in terms of complex functions. The basic development deals with the derivation of such a form of general solution for the PDEs associated with the most general, two-dimensional (“equivalent single-layered”), elastic plate theory available in the literature. The theory takes into consideration the effects of bending–stretching coupling due to possible un-symmetric forms of through-thickness material inhomogeneity. Most importantly, it also takes into consideration the effects of both transverse shear and transverse normal deformation in a manner that allows for a posteriori, multiple choices of transverse strain distributions. As a result of this basic and most general development, some interesting specializations yield, as particular cases, relevant general solutions of high-order PDEs associated with all of the conventional, elastic plate theories available in the literature.
On linear equations of anisotropic elastic plates
