JUSTIFICATION OF THE 2-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR PLATE MODEL BY ASYMPTOTIC-EXPANSION OF THE EQUILIBRIUM EQUATIONS

We propose a new justification of the nonlinear thin plate model by as ymptotic expansion of the nonlinear equilibrium equations. The dimensi onal analysis of the equilibrium equations naturally produces non-dime nsional numbers. These numbers are measurable and characteristic of ri te physical nature of the problem. Moreover, they define the domain of validity of the two-dimensional nonlinear plate model.