Matching technique of postprocess method using displacement fields of higher order plate theories

In the present study, a general matching technique of transverse shear angles is developed, which makes possible the application of displacement fields of various higher order plate theories by a postprocess method. A simplified higher order theory by Di Sciuva, a layerwise theory by Reddy and an efficient higher order theory by Cho are evaluated for improvement of stresses and deformations by means of postprocessing. This general approach opens the possibility that any complicated in-plane displacements of corresponding higher order theories can be used in a postprocess routine. Therefore, the displacement held which is close to that of exact elasticity analysis can be constructed, and the prediction of deformations and stresses can be predicted more accurately. The EHOPT (Efficient Higher Order Plate Theory) displacement field is the optimal performer in accuracy and simplicity among the displacement fields of higher order theories evaluated in the present paper. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.