An applied electro-magneto-elastic thin plate theory

The physical variational principle (PVP) in a static magneto-elastic field without source current is discussed first, and then, the PVP in a general electromagnetic field is derived. It is especially useful in the plate vibration problem. Using the PVP and the pseudo total stress principle, the electro-magneto-elastic thin plate bending theory in first order and a Mindlin-type plate bending theory for a moderate thickness plate are easily obtained. This method significantly simplifies the derivation of the governing equations of the thin and moderate plates with nonlinear electromagnetic behavior. The Maxwell stress is naturally included in the governing equation. Using the governing equation of a thin plate, the analyses of the stability and vibration of a plate in an external homogeneous magnetic field are discussed.