Theory of Plates and Shells –
Important Questions
Module 1
1. Classification of plates (each can be asked as short question)
2. List and explain the assumptions of Classical Plate Theory
3. Moment - Curvature relationship/ Governing differential equation in terms of
forces/moments of plate cylindrical bending.
4. Governing differential equation (in terms of displacement) of cylindrical bending
of plate
Module 2
1. Define slope of plate. Derive the slope transformation equation and thus arrive at
the principal directions and principal slopes.
2. Define curvature. Derive curvature transformation equations. Thus arrive at
principal directions and principal curvatures.
3. Define and explain the term 'twist'
4. Define the term 'average curvature'
5. Define and explain Gaussian curvature and its importance.
6. Derive Strain-displacement relationship in Cartesian coordinates (elasticity) /
stress acting on a plane inclined to x and y axes.
7. Derive strain- curvature relationship in plates
8. Derive Moment curvature relationship in pure bending.
9. Derive moment transformation equations (Stress resultants at inclined plane)
10. Explain in detail the particular cases of pure bending. (each can be asked as
short question.)
11. Differential thin and thick plates (explain thin, moderately thick and thick plates).
12. Derive the moment- curvature relationship for general plate bending.
Module 3 and 4
1. Derive the governing DE for classical plate theory.
2. Solution techniques for 4th order DE of CPT (detailed discussion essay /
individual methods short answer): Fourier series based semi-approximate methods
and numerical methods important
3. Boundary conditions (short answer / essay)
4. Discuss about Navier's method for CPT (short answer / essay)
5. Discuss about Levy's Method for CPT (short answer / essay)
6. Differentiate/ compare Navier's and Levy's methods.
7. Navier's method for plate with sinusoidal load - derivation
8. Navier's method for plate with UDL- derivation
9. Levy's method for plate with UDL - derivation
10. Kirchhoff's supplimentary forces
11. Poisson's boundary conditions
14. Explain why simply supported boundary condition fof rectangular plates are free
of Poisson's ratio.
15. Why corner forces are assumed to be developed in restrained plates?
Module 5
1. Uses of circular plates
2. How circular plates with axisymmetric loading reduces to 1D problem from a 3D
elasticity problem.
3. Explain polar coordinate system and its use.
4. Conversion of polar coordinate system to Cartesian system and vice versa.
5. Derive moment-curvature relationship of plates in polar coordinates.
6. Derive governing differential equation of circular plates with axisymmetric
loading.
7. Describe the boundary conditions to be applied to general solution of circular
plates with: clamped edges with UDL, simple supports with UDL, Clamped edges
with point load, simple supports with point load. {reasons}
8. Derive the deflection/moments (stress couples) of clamped edges with UDL,
simple supports with UDL, Clamped edges with point load, simple supports with
point load.
9. Approach towards analysis of : clamped edges with UDL, simple supports with
UDL, Clamped edges with point load, simple supports with point load. (not only
derivation, but explanation of each step )
Module 6
1. Define shell
2. Advantages and disadvantages of shells
3. Applications of shells in engineering/ civil engineering
4. Structural behaviour of shells (essay/short type)
5. Classification of surfaces
6. Classification of shells
7. Singly curved and doubly curved shells with examples
8. Developable and non-developable surfaces
9. Surfaces of revolution and surfaces of translation
10. Ruled surfaces
11. Stress resultants and couples of shells
12. Membrane theory and bending theory : differentiate
13. Assumptions of membrane theory
14. Assumptions of bending theory
15. Equations of equilibrium – doubly curved shell – membrane theory
16. Equations of equilibrium – doubly curved shell – bending theory
17. Define folded plates
18. Classifications/types of folded plates with figures
19. Advantages of folded plates over shells/plates
20. Disadvantages of folded plates
21. Structural action of folded plates
22. Applications of folded plates
23. Analysis methods of folded plates