Bending of Sector Plates on Elastic Foundations by Bessel Functions

A series solution approach based on the complex Bessel functions is presented in this paper for the analysis of bending of annual sector plates that are simply supported along their straight (or radial) edges, resting on Winkler-type elastic foundations. After a real general solution to a homogeneous differential equation of the bending plates is derived from the complex Bessel functions, the solution to the nonhomogeneous differential equation may be formulated by the general solution. Finally, some numerical examples are given to show the feasibility of this approach.