The formula for calculating the force needed to distort a steel plate is F = (3*E*t^2*L)/(2*w), where F is the force, E is the elastic modulus of steel, t is the thickness of the plate, L is the length of the plate, and w is the width of the plate.
The elastic modulus of steel is a measure of its stiffness or resistance to being deformed elastically. It is typically given in units of force per unit area, such as pounds per square inch (psi) or megapascals (MPa). The elastic modulus of steel can vary depending on the type and grade of steel, but it is usually around 200 GPa (29,000,000 psi).
The thickness of the steel plate directly affects the force needed to distort it. As the thickness increases, the force needed to distort the plate also increases. This is because a thicker plate has a larger cross-sectional area, which means it can withstand more force before it is distorted.
Besides force, other factors that can affect the distortion of a steel plate include the type and grade of steel, the temperature, and the shape of the plate. Different types and grades of steel have different elastic moduli, which can affect the amount of force needed to distort them. Temperature can also impact the elasticity of steel, making it easier or harder to distort. Lastly, the shape of the plate can also affect its resistance to distortion, as certain shapes may distribute force more evenly across the plate.
The formula for calculating the force needed to distort a steel plate is based on certain assumptions and simplifications, so it may not always provide an accurate estimation. Other factors, such as the type of loading and the presence of imperfections in the plate, may also affect the actual force needed. To get a more precise calculation, real-world testing and analysis may be necessary.