On the finite displacement analysis of quadrangular plates

In this paper, a numerical method for the linear and geometrically non-linear static analysis of thin plates is presented. The method begins with the elasticity equations pertaining to strain components, stresses, displacement components, strain energy and work due to externally applied loads. The plate geometry is defined by a quadrangular boundary with four straight edges and the natural coordinates in conjunction with the Cartesian coordinates are used to map the geometry. The matrix equation of equilibrium is derived using the work-energy principle with the displacement fields expressed by algebraic polynomials, the coefficients of which are then manipulated to satisfy the kinematic boundary conditions. To validate the results from the present method, square plates having all sides fully fixed and all sides simply supported without in-plane movement are analysed. Comparison is made for the uniformly loaded square plate with the results obtained by Levy who solved the non-linear plate bending problem using the Th.von Ka’rma’n’s equations. Rhombic plates are examined and numerical results corresponding to these cases are presented in this paper. Very good comparison of the results regarding deflection and bending stresses with other sources available in the literature is found.