Differential cubature method for static solutions of arbitrarily shaped thick plates

This paper presents the first endeavor to exploit the differential cubature method as an accurate and efficient global technique for fundamental solutions of arbitrarily shaped thick plates. The method is examined here for its suitability for solving the boundary-value problem of thick plates governing by the first-order shear deformation theory. Using the method, the governing differential equations and boundary conditions are transformed into sets of linear algebraic equations. Boundary conditions are implemented through discrete grid points by constraining displacements, bending moments and rotations. Detailed discussion on the formulation and implementation of the method are presented. The applicability, efficiency and simplicity of the method are demonstrated through solving example plate problems of different shapes. The accuracy of the method is verified by direct comparison with the known values. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.