A finite element analysis for “moderately thick” rectangular plates in bending

Abstract Experience gained in the use of the matrix displacement finite element method for the analysis of thin elastic plates in bending has shown that rectangular elements are preferable to triangular elements, particularly if complete inter-element compatibility is enforced. It is reasonable to suppose that the advantages of rectangular elements will be maintained in the analysis of moderately thick plates. In this paper, a method of developing a stiffness matrix for a rectangular, moderately thick plate element is presented, thus enabling some of the advantages of finite element treatments (variable plate thickness, anisotropy, etc.) to be applied to certain problems in which thin plate theory might be considered inadequate. Geometrical and mesh refinement considerations will, however, still necessitate the use of triangular or quadrilateral elements in other problems.