ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the plate (panel) theory and used to develop the governing differential equations for a variety of theories, loadings, and environmental conditions. This provides the physical and mathematical basis that provides solutions useful for design and analysis. The chapter provides structural theories for thin-walled bodies, which is the form in which composite materials are most generally employed. Beams, rods, and columns. Direct solutions of the governing differential equations for plates of composite materials fall into three categories: Navier, Levy, and perturbation solutions. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Because in many composite material laminate plate and sandwich panel constructions, transverse-shear deformation effects are important, a more refined theory will now be developed. However, because of its simplicity, and the number of solutions available, classical theory is still useful for preliminary design and analysis to size the structure required in minimum time and effort.
