Compound Strip Method for Continuous Sector Plates

Abstract

A finite strip method is developed for the analysis of linear elastic curved plate systems that are continuous over non‐rigid supports. This approach incorporates the effect of the support elements in a direct stiffness methodology. The stiffness contribution of the support elements are derived and given as strip stiffness matrices which are combined with the plate strip matrices at the element level prior to assembly. This summation of plate and support stiffness contributions forms a substructure which is termed a compound strip. The compound strip methodology may be used readily to enhance computer programs based on traditional finite strip procedures. The validity of the compound strip method is demonstrated in several illustrative analyses. The compound strip methodology compares favorably to the finite element method for displacement and moment.