Energetic finite differences with arbitrary meshes applied to plate-bending problems

We present a procedure that combines Lagrange polynomial interpolation with energetic finite differences. Thereby we achieve versatility and simplicity for the numerical solution of plate-bending problems whose boundaries have arbitrary geometrical forms. The theory is developed to allow simplicity of implementation. Although this approach has broad applicability the work described here deals specifically with the static linear analysis of thin plates subjected to lateral loading We present examples and discuss the accuracy and efficiency of the formulation. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science inc.