Numerical Green's function approach to finite-sized plate analysis

The eigenfunction expansion method is used to obtain numerical Green's functions to solve for deflection of irregular-shaped classical plates. The associated eigenvalue problem allows to express the Green's function as a series of eigenfunctions which are approximated by a series of polynomials that satisfy the homogeneous boundary conditions to which the plates are subjected. A computer algebra system (Mathematica) has been extensively used-to construct the approximate Green's functions consisting of polynomials, reducing substantially the amount of work involved in the calculation and achievement of the solution. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.