Equivalent orthotropic model for corrugated plates based on simplified constitutive relation.

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Existing equivalent orthotropic models for corrugated plates, often using Dirichlet boundary conditions and representative volume element methods, provide an upper limit for transverse bending stiffness but lack practical accuracy.
• The Kirchhoff hypothesis is a fundamental assumption in classical plate theory, simplifying analysis but requiring careful application to complex geometries like corrugated plates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel equivalent orthotropic model for corrugated plates with simplified constitutive relations based on the Kirchhoff hypothesis.
• To enhance the accuracy of predicting transverse bending stiffness, static responses, and dynamic characteristics (natural frequencies) of corrugated plates.

Main Methods:

• Simplification of constitutive relations for corrugated plates using the Kirchhoff hypothesis.
• Development of a new equivalent orthotropic plate model.
• Calculation of integral parameter expressions for arc-and-tangent corrugated plates.
• Verification of the proposed model against full-scale test results of corrugated metal pipe arch culverts.

Main Results:

• The proposed model yields equivalent transverse bending stiffness that aligns with the most reasonable simplified expressions available.
• Static response predictions using the new model demonstrate superior accuracy compared to existing models lacking simplified constitutive relations.
• The model shows improved accuracy in predicting both low- and high-order natural frequencies for dynamic response analysis.

Conclusions:

• The newly proposed equivalent orthotropic model offers a more accurate and practical approach to analyzing the structural behavior of corrugated plates.
• The simplification of constitutive relations is key to achieving improved accuracy in both static and dynamic analyses.
• Validation through full-scale testing confirms the model's reliability for real-world applications, such as corrugated metal pipe arch culverts.