ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the modeling of membranes and plates is introduced, bringing us to the point where advanced study is possible. Membranes and plates are two-dimensional extensions of strings and beams, respectively. Similarities to earlier models appear as we derive and solve the equations of motion. We do not consider the damping of membranes and plates. Membranes have numerous applications, for example, in‡atable struc-
tures, parachutes, and many biomedical components. Plates are used for foundations, structural panels, and composite structures, among many other mechanical applications.
