Isoparametric spline finite strip for plane structures

Abstract The isoparametric spline finite strip methods for Mindlin plate bending, plane stress and plane strain problems are presented. The essence of the method lies in the use of uniform cubic B- spline curves in the modelling of the geometry and representation of the displacement field. In this paper, the general theory of isoparametric spline finite strip for analysis of plane structures is outlined. The method, when applied to most problems, yields a relatively narrow band matrix and requires little computational effort. Solutions of this method are compared with other available experimental, analytical and numerical solutions, and in all cases very good agreement is observed.