Axisymmetric deformation of a materially nonlinear circular plate

Governing equations are developed for small strain moderately large axisymmetric deflections of a class of isotropic homogeneous materially nonlinear elastic circular plates. These equations are found to contain through thickness integrals which cannot always be carried out in closed form. Important special cases of the governing equations are identified. The utility of the class of material nonlinearities considered is illustrated by presenting an exact solution for small deflection pure bending, an approximate solution for small deflection bending due to a uniform pressure, and an exact elastic stability analysis. Some of these solutions are simplified for specific elements of the class of material nonlinearities employed.