Nonlinear dynamic response of a flexible thin plate to constant acceleration applied to its support contour, with application to printed circuit boards, used in avionic packaging

Abstract We evaluate the dynamic response of a flexible rectangular thin plate to a constant acceleration applied to its support contour. The study is carried out in application to printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in avionic packaging and is based on a simple and easy-to-use analytical model, clearly indicating the role of various factors affecting the mechanical behavior of the board. The main goal of the study is to determine the maximum accelerations experienced by the board. We showed that in the case of large deflections of a board with a nondeformable contour it is important to account for nonlinear effects, which are due to the membrane forces and lead to substantially higher accelerations and stresses. The developed theory can be helpful in evaluating the accelerations acting on surface-mounted components, and choosing the appropriate PCB type, dimensions and support conditions. It can also be used when choosing the most feasible layout of the electronic devices on the board.