Thermally Induced Flexure, Buckling, and Vibration of Plates

A survey is made of investigations concerned with the response of flat plates to thermal loadings. The discussion focuses on three major topics: (i) thermally induced bending, (ii) buckling, postbuckling, and large deformation behaviors, and (iii) vibrational characteristics associated with elevated temperatures and rapid heating. Consideration is given both to thin and to moderately thick plates, plates having various planforms and support conditions, and isotropic homogeneous, as well as anisotropic or heterogeneous material behaviors. In addition, references are cited to works dealing with the response of variable thickness plates, plates resting on elastic foundations, inelastic response, and optimal thermoelastic design.

Optimal Thermoelastic Design for Given Deformation

Optimal design of an elastic rod for given total elongation is discussed when both the axial loads and the steady-state temperature field in the rod depend on the design. Numerical results are presented for a rod that carries a given mass at the tip and rotates about an axis through the root that is perpendicular to the axis of the rod, while tip and root are kept at different temperatures and the lateral surface of the rod is thermally insulated.