An exact strip method for folded plate structures

Abstract An alternative approach for the analysis of folded plate structures is presented. As in the Finite Strip method, Fourier expansions are used in the axial direction in order to simplify the equations, but then exact solutions are used in the transverse direction. In this way it is not necessary to discretize the structure. Only the displacements at the intersection of the plates hold as degrees of freedom. Convergence is reached by increasing the number of longitudinal modes. A complete formulation of the problem and solution procedure is presented. The base functions, stiffness matrices and load vectors are explicitly given in the appendices. A FORTRAN computer program called FOPS (folded plate structures) was developed. Numerical examples showing the performance of the element are included.