# Boundary conditions of a bending plate

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1. Dec 9, 2017

### kosovo dave

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
I'm trying to find the boundary conditions for the following problem:

A plate with length 2L is placed on supports at x = L/2 and x = - L/2. The plate is deforming elastically under its own weight (maximum displacement bowing up at x = 0). Both ends of the plate are free boundaries.

The goal is to eventually solve the equation DW'''' = q(x) for the right half of the plate (x > 0).
2. Relevant equations
D is the flexural rigidity $$\frac{Eh^3}{12(1-\nu^2)}$$

E is Young's Modulus, ν is Poisson's ratio, h is the thickness of the plate, and q = -ρgh.

3. The attempt at a solution
Since the right end of the plate is free, I think the two boundary conditions there are DW''' = 0 (shear force) at x = L and DW'' = 0 (bending moment) at x = L. What are the quantities I should be considering for the boundary conditions at x = 0? I feel like one of them is bending stress.

Last edited: Dec 9, 2017
2. Dec 9, 2017

### Staff: Mentor

The bending moments and the displacements are zero at both ends. The reaction forces and shear forces are not.

3. Dec 9, 2017

### kosovo dave

By "ends" do you mean of the full plate (x = -L and x = L) or the half-space (x=0 and x = L)? I should also clarify that the ends of the plate (x = +/- L) sag beneath the x-axis.

4. Dec 9, 2017

### kosovo dave

5. Dec 10, 2017

### Staff: Mentor

Oh. I missed this when I was visualizing the system. Yes, the boundary conditions you proposed are the correct ones to use: zero shear force and zero bending moment at both ends.