On the relation between two-dimensional and axisymmetric loads in plate flexure problems

Abstract

This note has attempted to clarify the relation between straight-edged axisymmetric loads and straight-edged two-dimensional loads by emphasizing the critical role of the elastic plate in this relation. It has been shown that loads of widely varying scale can be approximated by two-dImensional edges, provided that the lithosphere is sufficiently thin. As the distance from the edge of the load increases, the displacement w decreases. This results in enhanced relative discrepancies between the two models in the region of the peripheral bulge. Whether this is significant when modelling data will ultimately depend on the magnitude of the errors associated with the measurements.