Non-local elastic plate theories

A non-local plate model is proposed based on Eringen's theory of non-local continuum mechanics. The basic equations for the non-local Kirchhoff and the Mindlin plate theories are derived. These non-local plate theories allow for the small-scale effect which becomes significant when dealing with micro-/nanoscale plate-like structures. As illustrative examples, the bending and free vibration problems of a rectangular plate with simply supported edges are solved and the exact non-local solutions are discussed in relation to their corresponding local solutions.