Plates Bending Analysis Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Advent of approximate Numerical methods for the analysis of complicated problems has provided platform to the researchers and engineers. Towards this, advent of digital computer has increased exponentially the useful application of approximate methods. Using Finite Element Method, an approximate method, the analysis over the bending of plate has been done using four noded isoperimetric elements in this thesis The element properties and some essential criterions like convergence, compatibility and geometric invariance has been described. Numerical difficulties like locking phenomenon and stress smoothing technique has also been overcome with Hinton & Campbell technique [1974]. Thin plate theory i.e. Kirchoff’s and Mindlin theory along with Finite Element Formulation has been described. Variation of deflection and moments at various points on the plates with the variation of percentage error in respect of each variable have been shown in graphical form with the variation of number of elements. Effect of mess fineness and element aspect ratio on the deflection as well as the stress resultants have been studied for various sizes of plates using Lisa/Ansys.