Homogenization, dimension reduction and linearization of thin elastic plate

Abstract: This paper investigates the homogenization, dimension reduction, and linearization of a composite plate subjected to external loading within the framework of non-linear elasticity problem. The total elastic energy of the problem is of order $\sim h^2\varepsilon^{2a+3}$, where $a\geq1$. The paper is divided into two parts: The first part presents the simultaneous homogenization, dimension reduction and linearization ($(\varepsilon,h)\to(0,0)$) of a composite plate without any coupling assumption of $\varepsilon$ and $h$. The second part consists of the rigorous derivation of linearized elasticity as a limit of non-linear elasticity with small deformation and external loading conditions. The results obtained demonstrate that the limit energy remains unchanged when the first linearization ($h\to 0$) is performed, followed by simultaneous homogenization dimension reduction ($\varepsilon\to0$) and when both limits approach zero simultaneously, i.e. $(\varepsilon,h)\to (0,0)$. The exact form of the limit energy(s) is obtained through the decomposition of plate deformations and plate displacements. By using the $\Gamma$-convergence technique, the existence of a unique solution for the limit linearized homogenized energy problem is demonstrated. These results are then extended to certain periodic perforated plates.