Dynamic Response of Plate on Elastic Half-Space

Analytical results are presented for the dynamic response of a plate bearing on an elastic half-space and subjected to harmonic forces. The present work represents a departure from existing analyses in that herein both the flexibility and three-dimensionality of the plate are taken into account. Displacements and contact stresses are presented for square plates having a practical range of flexural stiffness. The harmonic analysis is conducted within the framework of a global stiffness solution, in which the plate and subgrade impedance matrices are formulated independently in accordance with a prescribed discretization pattern. Then compatibility of displacements and equilibrium of forces are enforced at the plate-subgrade interface. Solutions are presented for massless square plates subjected to harmonic point, uniform pressure, and moment loadings. The effect of the plate's mass on its response is studied by starting with a perfectly flexible massive plate and subsequently increasing the stiffness toward the limit of a completely rigid plate.