在连续介质力学中，板理论是基于梁理论对平板力学的数学描述。通常情况下板结构的厚宽比是小于0.1。板理论利用了长度量级上的差异，将完全的3维固体力学问题简化成为2维问题。板理论的目标是为了计算当板承受荷载时所产生的变形和应力。

1. ↑ Timoshenko, S. and Woinowsky-Krieger, S. "Theory of plates and shells". McGraw–Hill New York, 1959.

In continuum mechanics, plate theories are mathematical descriptions of the mechanics of flat plates that draws on the theory of beams. Plates are defined as plane structural elements with a small thickness compared to the planar dimensions. The typical thickness to width ratio of a plate structure is less than 0.1. A plate theory takes advantage of this disparity in length scale to reduce the full three-dimensional solid mechanics problem to a two-dimensional problem. The aim of plate theory is to calculate the deformation and stresses in a plate subjected to loads.