Numerical analysis of variable thickness plates

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Abstract
Exact solutions of the full finite difference equation to the deflection of laterally loaded variable thickness plates are obtained by a step-by-step numerical method. A pure-resistance electrical analogue computer is used to perform the calculations. Certain mixed derivative terms which cannot be included conveniently in the analogue equations are represented as a modification to the load. The resultant step-by-step method converges rapidly to give results which differ from analytical values by less than 0.5 per cent. Plates with both simply supported and clamped edges are considered.