Abstract
In this thesis the Semi-Analytic Finite Element Methodof analysis of laterally loaded rectangular plates is examined.
A computer program is described in which the eigenfunctions
of free vibration of uniform beams are used as the
analytic functions. Rectangular plates with any combination
of simply supported, clamped or free edges and with any variation
of loading or flexural rigidity, including plates with
holes or rigid inclusions, may be solved.
In developing the computer program, various schemes
were implemented to reduce the influence of errors inherent
in the beam eigenfunctions and for the reduction of computer
storage requirement so that it may, be possible to process the
program on a relatively small digital computer. A description
of these schemes is given in this thesis.
Using the computer program, the behaviour of the analytic
functions in respect of numerical stability and convergence
is examined on a comparative basis and the effects
of load and rigidity variation on these characteristics are
established.
Extensive tests are carried out to check the accuracy
of the method under various conditions of loading and rigidity
variations. Also, the rate of convergence of the semi analytic
method is compared with other finite element
formulations.
Finally, the results from the semi-analytic method, for
three plate problems, are compared with those from an experimental
technique, namely the Moire method.
Date of Award | Aug 1975 |
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Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
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Keywords
- semi-analytic
- finite element
- plate bending