A new boundary element method for bending of plates on elastic foundations (Q1098358)

The bending of plates on a Winkler foundation, according to Kirchhoff's theory, is solved by using an original boundary integral equation method involving the fundamental solution for plate flexure problems. An integral representation for the second member (pressure of the foundation) of the equation is given. By discretizing the integral equation, it is possible to eliminate the boundary unknowns, so that one is reduced to solving a linear system the solutions of which are deflections inside the domain. To illustrate the potentialities of this method several problems with various boundary conditions, loads and values of the modulus of the foundation are successfully solved.