This paper presents a bridging research between a modeling methodology in quantum mechanics/relativity and elasticity. Using the symplectic method commonly applied in quantum mechanics and relativity, a new symplectic elasticity approach is developed for deriving exact analytical solutions to some basic problems in solid mechanics and elasticity which have long been bottlenecks in the history of elasticity. In specific, it is applied to bending of rectangular thin plates where exact solutions are hitherto unavailable. It employs the Hamiltonian principle with Legendre's transformation. Analytical bending solutions could be obtained by eigenvalue analysis and expansion of eigenfunctions. Here, bending analysis requires the solving of an eigenvalue equation unlike in classical mechanics where eigenvalue analysis is only required in vibration and buckling problems. Furthermore, unlike the semi-inverse approaches in classical plate analysis employed by Timoshenko and others such as Navier's solution, Levy's solution, Rayleigh-Ritz method, etc. where a trial deflection function is pre-determined, this new symplectic plate analysis is completely rational without any guess functions and yet it renders exact solutions beyond the scope of applicability of the semi-inverse approaches. In short, the symplectic plate analysis developed in this paper presents a breakthrough in analytical mechanics in which an area previously unaccountable by Timoshenko's plate theory and the likes has been trespassed. Here, examples for plates with selected boundary conditions are solved and the exact solutions discussed. Comparison with the classical solutions shows excellent agreement. As the derivation of this new approach is fundamental, further research can be conducted not only on other types of boundary conditions, but also for thick plates as well as vibration, buckling, wave propagation, etc. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
