Bending and Free Vibration Analysis of Isotropic Plate Using Refined Plate Theory

In this paper, Trigonometric shear deformation theory is applied for bending and free vibration analysis of thick plate. In this theory in plane displacement field uses sinusoidal function in terms of thickness coordinate. It accounts for realistic variation of the transverse shear stress through the thickness and satisfies the shear stress free surface conditions at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. The theory obviates the need of shear correction factor like other higher order or equivalent shear deformation theories. Simply supported thick isotropic plate is considered for detail numerical study. Navier?s solution technique is employed for the analytical solution. The results are obtained for displacements, stresses and natural bending mode frequencies and compared with those of other refined theories and exact solution from theory of elasticity.