ABSTRACT
Rectangular diaphragms were relatively unknown prior to the advent of Silicon wafer technology and photolitography. Historically, most structures have been rectangular in shapes—floors, roofs, and doors are good examples. For this reason the theory of rectangular plates has been amply expounded by many investigators and readily available in many textbooks on advanced strength of materials. This chapter considers the theory used for engineering calculations relating to pressure-summing devices. Thus, tables have been prepared listing coefficients for deflection and stress analysis as a function of the aspect ratio b/a of the rectangular diaphragm. The maximum stress occurs at the midpoint of the edge for the Square diaphragm and at the mid-point of the larger edge for the rectangular diaphragm. The chapter presents sample problems and Solutions to illustrate the simplicity of the rectangular diaphragm design process.
