Nonconforming transition plate bending elements with variable mid-side nodes

Abstract In this study, the improved 5- and 6-node transition plate bending elements are presented. The mixed use of these elements along with the regular 4-node elements enables us to refine the mesh of plate structure locally. These transition elements can be efficiently used in modelling the transition area between the portion of structure where a more refined mesh is needed in order to cope with the steep displacement or stress gradient and the rest of the structure. Also, these transition elements can be used in connecting lower order elements (4-node elements) with higher order ones (8-node or 9-node elements). The overestimation of the stiffness pertinent to shear in these transition elements based on Mindlin plate theory was cured by addition of nonconforming displacement modes to improve their behavior.