Non-homogeneous density functions to strengthen rectangular partially hinged plates

Abstract

We consider a non-homogeneous partially hinged rectangular plate having structural engineering applications. In order to study possible remedies for torsional instability phenomena we consider the gap function as a measure of the torsional performances of the plate. We treat different configurations of load and we study which density function is optimal for our aims. The analysis is in accordance with some results obtained studying the corresponding eigenvalue problem in terms of maximization of the ratio of specific eigenvalues. Some numerical experiments complete the analysis.