Plate Deflection Calulation help

[jazz330]

I have a 3/16" plate with a 2x2x3/16 angle iron frame with a pressure of 8psi on the surface as shown in the attached picture.

How do I calculate the max deflection in the plate?

 

[Sparweb]

My rough membrane stress calc came out in the same area as RB1957's estimate, but "dodgier". Only the OP knows if this is a problem or not, in their specific application.

STF

 

[racookpe1978]

At 3/16 thick by 96 inch gap I'm getting more than 3/8 inch deflection in the center from a 3/16 plate suspended across a gap that far by the edges from gravity alone. In my mockup, I can't even get it to suspend unless I clamp both edges securely down and put the plate in active tension. Welding at the corners? Not along all sides?

That small a frame is not sufficient to hold the "drumhead" tension needed.