A MODIFIED KIRCHHOFF THEORY FOR BOUNDARY-ELEMENT BENDING ANALYSIS OF THIN PLATES

This paper introduces a modified Kirchhoff theory in which the transverse normal stress is considered within the analysis of thin plates in bending. A consistent boundary element approach based upon three degrees-of-freedom, which avoids the development of Kirchhoff forces at plate corners, is presented for plates with arbitrary shapes and boundary conditions. Several case studies have been analysed and the results were compared with corresponding analytical solutions. It is clear that such an approach is accurate and easy to program. The transverse stress has little effect on the plate deflection, but it can be considered in strength assessment.