On Improved Thin Plate Bending Rectangular Finite Element Based on the Strain Approach

We propose in this paper the development of a new rectangular finite element for thin plate bending based on the strain approach with linear elastic behavior. An analytical integration is used to evaluate the element stiffness matrix. The present element possesses the three main degrees of freedom (d.o.f) per node, namely, one transverse displacement (w) and two normal rotations (circle minus(x), circle minus(y)) about x and y axis respectively. The proposed displacement field represents exactly the rigid body motion and satisfies the compatibility equations. The numerical results converges rapidly to the Kirchhoff solution for thin plates. This makes the present element robust, better suitable for computations, and particularly interesting in modeling this type of structures.