ABSTRACT
The von Kármán plate theory is governed by two coupled nonlinear fourth-order partial differential equations in three independent variables and two dependent variables. The balance laws are applicable even if a region in the plate middle-plane is intersected by a discontinuity (singular) manifold, provided the integrals exist. The “continuous” von Kármán plate theory can be extended to situations when physical quantities may suffer jump discontinuities at a curve. When dealing with discontinuity solutions, from a physical point of view it seems reasonable that at least the balance of energy should hold in addition to the balance laws corresponding to the fundamental equations considered. It is evident that for acceleration waves propagating into an undisturbed plate the balance of energy implies also the balances of wave momentum, moment of wave momentum as well as the balance related to the scaling symmetry.
