Plate‐Bending Analysis Using Finite Strip‐Elements

Abstract

Displacement functions used for simply supported finite strips are combined with those of a rectangular plate‐bending element. The resulting finite strip‐element combines a number of advantages of both finite strips and finite elements. Owing to orthogonality relationships of the trigonometric functions used in the formulation, partial uncoupling of the equations occurs, enabling any number of sine series terms to be taken without increasing computer storage requirements. The free edge condition is approximately satisfied as a natural boundary condition, while the clamped edge condition is exactly satisfied using Lagrange multipliers. Three examples are considered demonstrating the accuracy and efficiency of the method.