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The sign convention used in the plate section is defined in this
section. Notice that unlike some publications on this subject, the
loading term p(x, y) points to the same
direction as the z-axis. Please refer to the classical
plate theory for more details.
The loading P and deflection w in
the z direction indicated are positive
For the sign of moment resultants, a moment caused by a positive
stress with a positive arm is considered positive and the subscript
of the stress is used to denote this moment.
Therefore, positive Mx points toward the
y direction under the right-hand rule.
Positive directions for bending moments.
Positive directions for shear
forces. | 
