Large Deflections of Clamped Circular Plates Under Tension and Transitions to Membrane Behavior

The large deflections of a clamped circular plate are investigated over a wide range of transverse loadings and initial in-plane tension loads. The continuous transition from plate behavior to membrane behavior is described in detail, along with the development of the accompanying edge zone region where properties change rapidly. We give a simple approximation of this edge zone and its properties, provide limits for the validity of small deflection, linear theory, and note the similar effects of large in-plane tension and large transverse loading. The values and trends are presented in general nondimensional form, and should prove useful for the design of thin circular disks for microsensing applications.