the mindlin–reissner theory of plates is an extension of kirchhoff–love plate theory that takes into account shear deformations through-the-thickness of a plate. the theory was proposed in 1951 by raymond mindlin. a similar, but not identical, theory had been proposed earlier by eric reissner in 1945. both theories are intended for thick plates in which the normal to the mid-surface remains straight but not necessarily perpendicular to the mid-surface. the mindlin–reissner theory is used to calculate the deformations and stresses in a plate whose thickness is of the order of one tenth the planar dimensions while the kirchhoff–love theory is applicable to thinner plates.