Modal analysis of thin-walled members with transverse plate elements using the constrained finite element method

In this paper a new version of the constrained finite element method is reported. The method is essentially a shell finite element method, but mechanical constraints can be applied to enforce the analysed member to deform in accordance with global, distortional or local deformations. The method already proved itself to be the most general among similar methods with modal decomposition ability, but lately it has further been generalized by extending its applicability to members with extra transverse plates such as end-plates of transverse stiffeners. In this paper proof-of-concept examples are presented.