Brief Statements on Various Theories
It is the thinking of the writer that the various folded plate
theories can be broadly grouped into two categories - the Engineering
Theory of Elasticity and the Mathematical Theory of Elasticity. Theories
employing the Engineering Theory of Elasticity fall into the majority
group that make the familiar assumption regarding planar distribution of
flexural, torsional and axial strains with their consequent planar dis
tribution of stresses. Of course this assumption is only made in regards
to individual eleménts of the structure and not to the structure as a
whole.