A refined Hermitian isoparametric plate bending element

A refined version of the Hermitian isoparametric element which avoids the difficulties with derivative parameters in the geometric mapping is presented. The accuracy of the element is compared with the DKT-triangle, which is considered to be the most accurate 9 degrees-of-freedom plate bending element. The present element compares rather well with the DKT element. Moreover, comparisons are also made in some ‘non-standard’ cases (circular plate with concentrated load off the centre and elliptical plate) which suggest that the accuracy of all the elements considered is slightly poorer in these than in the standard cases.