This paper deals with the free vibration characteristics of Mindlin pl
ates that are symmetrically column-supported at four points. The finit
e difference technique, based on the energy approach, is used. The fir
st lowest four natural frequency parameters are determined for various
values of the finite area of the column supports. Detailed results ar
e given for various values of relative thickness ratio and the effects
of transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia are examined.