11-Plate Bending Element

CHAPTER
12
PLATE BENDING ELEMENT d
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES
. To introduce basic concepts of plate bending.
. To derive a common plate bending element stiffness matrix.
. To present some plate element numerical comparisons.
. To demonstrate some computer solutions for plate bending problems.
Introduction
In this chapter, we will begin by describing elementary concepts of plate bending be-
havior and theory. The plate element is one of the more important structural elements
and is used to model and analyze such structures as pressure vessels, chimney stacks
(Figure 1–5), and automobile parts. Figure 12–1 shows finite element models of a
computer case and a water tank modeled using the plate bending element described
in this chapter. This description of plate bending is followed by a discussion of some
commonly used plate finite elements. A large number of plate bending element formu-
lations exist that would require a lengthy chapter to cover. Our purpose in this chapter
is to present the derivation of the sti¤ness matrix for one of the most common plate
bending finite elements and then to compare solutions to some classical problems
from a variety of bending elements in the literature.
We finish the chapter with a solution to a plate bending problem using a com-
puter program.
d 12.1 Basic Concepts of Plate Bending d

A plate can be considered the two-dimensional extension of a beam in simple bending.
Both beams and plates support loads transverse or perpendicular to their plane and
through bending action. A plate is flat (if it were curved, it would become a shell). A
beam has a single bending moment resistance, while a plate resists bending about
two axes and has a twisting moment.
We will consider the classical thin-plate theory or Kirchho¤ plate theory [1].
Many of the assumptions of this theory are analogous to the classical beam theory
or Euler–Bernoulli beam theory described in Chapter 4 and in Reference [2].
572
Copyright 2010 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
12.1 Basic Concepts of Plate Bending d 573
(a)
(b)
Figure 12–1 (a) Computer case and (b) water tank (See the full-color insert for a
color version of this figure.)
Basic Behavior of Geometry and Deformation

We begin the derivation of the basic thin-plate equations by considering the thin plate
in the x-y plane and of thickness t measured in the z direction shown in Figure 12–2.
The plate surfaces are at z ¼ Gt=2, and its midsurface is at z ¼ 0. The assumed
basic geometry of the plate is as follows: (1) The plate thickness is much smaller than
its in-plane dimensions b and c (that is, t f b or c). (If t is more than about one-tenth
the span of the plate, then transverse shear deformation must be accounted for and the
plate is then said to be thick.) (2) The deflection w is much less than the thickness t
(that is, w=t f 1).
Kirchhoff Assumptions
Consider a di¤erential slice cut from the plate by planes perpendicular to the x axis as
shown in Figure 12–3(a). Loading q causes the plate to deform laterally or upward in
574 d 12 Plate Bending Element
Figure 12–2 Basic thin plate showing transverse loading and dimensions
Figure 12–3 Differential slice of plate of thickness t (a) before loading and
(b) displacements of point P after loading, based on Kirchhoff theory. Transverse shear
deformation is neglected, and so right angles in the cross section remain right angles.
Displacements in the y-z plane are similar
the z direction, and the deflection w of point P is assumed to be a function of x and y

only; that is, w ¼ wðx; yÞ and the plate does not stretch in the z direction. A line a-b
drawn perpendicular to the plate surfaces before loading remains perpendicular to
the surfaces after loading [Figure 12–3(b)]. This is consistent with the Kirchho¤
assumptions as follows:
1. Normals remain normal. This implies that transverse shear strains

gyz ¼ 0 and similarly gxz ¼ 0. However, gxy does not equal 0; right
angles in the plane of the plate may not remain right angles after
loading. The plate may twist in the plane.
2. Thickness changes can be neglected and normals undergo no
extension. This means normal strain, ez ¼ 0.
3. Normal stress sz has no e¤ect on in-plane strains ex and ey in the
stress–strain equations and is considered negligible.
12.1 Basic Concepts of Plate Bending d 575
4. Membrane or in-plane forces are neglected here, and the plane stress
resistance can be superimposed later (that is, the constant-strain
triangle behavior of Chapter 6 can be superimposed with the basic
plate bending element resistance). That is, the in-plane deformations
in the x and y directions at the midsurface are assumed to be zero;
uðx; y; 0Þ ¼ 0 and vðx; y; 0Þ ¼ 0.
Based on the Kirchho¤ assumptions, any point P in Figure 12–3 has displacement in
the x direction due to a small rotation a of

qw
u ¼ za ¼ z ð12:1:1Þ
qx
and similarly the same point has displacement in the y direction of

qw
v¼ z ð12:1:2Þ
qy
The curvatures of the plate are then given as the rate of change of the angular dis-
placements of the normals and are defined as
q2w q2w 2q 2 w
kx ¼ ky ¼ kxy ¼ ð12:1:3Þ
qx 2 qy 2 qxqy
The first of Eqs. (12.1.3) is used in beam theory [Eq. (4.1.1e)].
Using the definitions for the in-plane strains from Eq. (6.1.4), along with Eq.
(12.1.3), the in-plane strain–displacement equations become
q2w q2w q2w

ex ¼ z ey ¼ z gxy ¼ 2z ð12:1:4aÞ
qx 2 qy 2 qxqy
or using Eq. (12.1.3) in Eq.(12.1.4a), we have

ex ¼ zkx ey ¼ zky gxy ¼ zkxy ð12:1:4bÞ
The first of Eqs. (12.1.4a) is used in beam theory [see Eq. (4.1.10)]. The others are new
to plate theory.
Stress–Strain Relations
Based on the third assumption above, the plane stress equations can be used to relate
the in-plane stresses to the in-plane strains for an isotropic material as
E
sx ¼ ðex þ ney Þ
1 n2
E
sy ¼ ðey þ nex Þ ð12:1:5Þ
1 n2
txy ¼ Ggxy
(a) (b)
Figure 12–4 Differential element of a plate with (a) stresses shown on the edges of
the plate and (b) differential moments and forces
The in-plane normal stresses and shear stress are shown acting on the edges of the
plate in Figure 12–4(a). Similar to the stress variation in a beam, these stresses vary
linearly in the z direction from the midsurface of the plate. The transverse shear
stresses tyz and txz are also present, even though transverse shear deformation is
neglected. As in beam theory, these transverse stresses vary quadratically through the
plate thickness. The stresses of Eq. (12.1.5) can be related to the bending moments
Mx and My and to the twisting moment Mxy acting along the edges of the plate as
shown in Figure 12–4(b).
The moments are actually functions of x and y and are computed per unit length
in the plane of the plate so have units of lb–in./in. Therefore, the moments are
ð t=2 ð t=2 ð t=2
Mx ¼ zsx dz My ¼ zsy dz Mxy ¼ ztxy dz ð12:1:6Þ
t=2 t=2 t=2
The moments can be related to the curvatures by substituting Eqs. (12.1.4b) into Eqs.
(12.1.5) and then using those stresses in Eq. (12.1.6) to obtain
Dð1 nÞ
Mx ¼ Dðkx þ nky Þ My ¼ Dðky þ nkx Þ Mxy ¼ kxy ð12:1:7Þ
2
where D ¼ Et 3 =½12ð1 n 2 Þ is called the bending rigidity of the plate (in units of
lb–in.).
The maximum magnitudes of the normal stresses on each edge of the plate are
located at the top or bottom at z ¼ t=2. For instance, it can be shown that
6Mx
sx ¼
ð12:1:8Þ
t2
This formula is similar to the flexure formula sx ¼ Mx c=I when applied to a unit
width of plate and when c ¼ t=2.
The governing equilibrium di¤erential equation of plate bending is important in
selecting the element displacement fields. The basis for this relationship is the equilib-
rium di¤erential equations derived by the equilibrium of forces with respect to the
12.2 Derivation of a Plate Bending Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations d 577
z direction and by the equilibrium of moments about the x and y axes, respectively.
These equilibrium equations result in the following di¤erential equations:
qQx qQy
þ þq¼0
qx qy
qMx qMxy
þ Qx ¼ 0 ð12:1:9Þ
qx qy
qMy qMxy
þ Qy ¼ 0
qy qx
where q is the transverse distributed loading (in units of psi) and Qx and Qy are the
transverse shear line loads (in units of lb/in.) shown in Figure 12–4(b).
Now substituting the moment/curvature relations from Eq. (12.1.7) into the sec-
ond and third of Eqs. (12.1.9), then solving those equations for Qx and Qy , and finally
substituting the resulting expressions into the first of Eqs. (12.1.9), we obtain the gov-
erning partial di¤erential equation for an isotropic, thin-plate bending behavior as
!
q4w 2q 4 w q4w
D þ þ ¼q ð12:1:10Þ
qx 4 qx 2 qy 2 qy 4
From Eq. (12.1.10), we observe that the solution of thin-plate bending using a displace-
ment point of view depends on selection of the single-displacement component w, the
transverse displacement.
If we neglect the di¤erentiation with respect to the y coordinate, Eq. (12.1.10)
simplifies to Eq. (4.1.1g) for a beam (where the flexural rigidity D of the plate reduces to
EI of the beam when the Poisson e¤ect is set to zero and the plate width becomes unity).
Potential Energy of a Plate

The total potential energy of a plate is given by
ð
1
U¼ ðsx ex þ sy ey þ txy gxy Þ dV ð12:1:11Þ
2
The potential energy can be expressed in terms of the moments and curvatures by sub-
stituting Eqs. (12.1.4b) and (12.1.6) in Eq. (12.1.11) as
ð
1
U¼ ðMx kx þ My ky þ Mxy kxy Þ dA ð12:1:12Þ
2
d 12.2 Derivation of a Plate Bending Element d

Stiffness Matrix and Equations
Numerous finite elements for plate bending have been developed over the years, and
Reference [3] cites 88 di¤erent elements. In this section we will introduce only one
element formulation, the basic 12-degrees-of-freedom rectangular element shown in
Figure 12–5 Basic rectangular plate

element with nodal degrees of
freedom
Figure 12–5. For more details of this formulation and of various other formulations
including triangular elements, see References [4–18].
The formulation will be developed consistently with the sti¤ness matrix and
equations for the bar, beam, plane stress–strain, axisymmetric, and solid elements of
previous chapters.
Step 1 Select Element Type

We will consider the 12-degrees-of-freedom flat-plate bending element shown in
Figure 12–5. Each node has 3 degrees of freedom—a transverse displacement w in
the z direction, a rotation yx about the x axis, and a rotation yy about the y axis.
The nodal displacement matrix at node i is given by
8 9
< wi =
fdi g ¼ yxi ð12:2:1Þ
: ;
yyi
where the rotations are related to the transverse displacement by
qw qw
yx ¼ þ yy ¼ ð12:2:2Þ
qy qx
The negative sign on yy is due to the fact that a negative displacement w is required to
produce a positive rotation about the y axis.
The total element displacement matrix is now given by
fdg ¼ f½d i ½d j ½d m ½d n g T ð12:2:3Þ
Step 2 Select the Displacement Function

Because there are 12 total degrees of freedom for the element, we select a 12-term
polynomial in x and y as follows:
w ¼ a1 þ a2 x þ a3 y þ a4 x 2 þ a5 xy þ a6 y 2 þ a7 x 3 þ a8 x 2 y
þ a9 xy 2 þ a10 y 3 þ a11 x 3 y þ a12 xy 3 ð12:2:4Þ
Equation (12.2.4) is an incomplete quartic in the context of the Pascal triangle (Figure 8–2).
The function is complete up to the third order (ten terms), and a choice of two more
terms from the remaining five terms of a complete quartic must be made. The best
choice is the x 3 y and xy 3 terms as they ensure that we will have continuity in displace-
ment among the interelement boundaries. (The x 4 and y 4 terms would yield disconti-
nuities of displacement along interelement boundaries and so must be rejected. The
x 2 y 2 term is alone and cannot be paired with any other terms and so is also rejected.)
The function [Eq. (12.2.4)] also satisfies the basic di¤erential equation [Eq. (12.1.10)]
over the unloaded part of the plate, although not a requirement in a minimum poten-
tial energy approximation.
Furthermore, the function allows for rigid-body motion and constant strain, as
terms are present to account for these phenomena in a structure. However, inter-
element slope discontinuities along common boundaries of elements are not ensured.
To observe this discontinuity in slope, we evaluate the polynomial and its slopes
along a side or edge (say, along side i-j, the x axis of Figure 12–5). We then obtain
w ¼ a1 þ a 2 x þ a 4 x 2 þ a 7 x 3
qw
¼ a2 þ 2a4 x þ 3a7 x 2 ð12:2:5Þ
qx
qw
¼ a3 þ a5 x þ a8 x 2 þ a12 x 3
qy
The displacement w is a cubic as used for the beam element, while the slope qw=qx is the
same as in beam bending. Based on the beam element, we recall that the four constants
a1 ; a2 ; a4 , and a7 can be defined by invoking the endpoint conditions of ðwi ; wj ; yyi ; yyj Þ.
Therefore, w and qw=qx are completely defined along this edge. The normal slope
qw=qy is a cubic in x. However, only two degrees of freedom remain for definition of
this slope, while four constants (a3 ; a5 ; a8 , and a12 ) exist. This slope is then not uniquely
defined, and a slope discontinuity occurs. Thus, the function for w is said to be noncon-
forming. The solution obtained from the finite element analysis using this element will
not be a minimum potential energy solution. However, this element has proven to give
acceptable results, and proofs of its convergence have been shown [8].
The constants a1 through a12 can be determined by expressing the 12 simulta-
neous equations linking the values of w and its slopes at the nodes when the coordinates
take up their appropriate values. First, we write
8 9
> w >
>
> >
> 2 3
>
> >
> x2 y2 x3 x2y xy 2 y3 x3y xy 3
>
< qw >= 6
1 x y xy
þ 7
6
qy ¼ 4 0 0 þ1 0 þx þ2y 0 þx 2 þ2xy þ3y 2 þx 3 þ3xy 2 7
> > 5
>
> >
>
>
> >
> 0 1 0 2x y 0 3x 2 2xy y2 0 3x 2 y y3
>
: qw >
;
qx
8 9
> a1 >
>
> >
>
>
> >
>
> a2 >>
>
>
< >
=
a3 ð12:2:6Þ
>
> >
>
> .. >
>
>
>
> . >
>
>
>
>
: >
;
a12
or in simple matrix form the degrees of freedom matrix is
fcg ¼ ½P fag ð12:2:7Þ
where ½P is the 3 12 first matrix on the right side of Eq. (12.2.6).

Next, we evaluate Eq. (12.2.6) at each node point as follows
8 9 2 3
> wi > 1 xi yi xi2 xi yi yi2 xi3 xi2 yi xi yi3 yi3 xi3 yi xi yi3
> >
>
>
> > 6
> 7
>
> yxi > > 6 0 0 þ1 0 þxi þ2yi 0 þxi2 þ2xi yi þ3yi2 þxi3 þ3xi yi2 7
> >
< >
= 6
6 7
7
y 6 .. 7
fdg ¼ yi ¼6 . 7
>
>w > > 6 7
>
> >
j > 6 .. 7
>
> >
> 6 . 7
>
> . ; >
> 4 5
: ..
8 9
>
> a1 >>
>
> >
>
>
> >
< a2 > =
ð12:2:8Þ
> .
.. >
>
> >
>
>
> >
>
>
: >
;
a12
In compact matrix form, we express Eq. (12.2.8) as
fdg ¼ ½C fag ð12:2:9Þ
where ½C is the 12 12 matrix on the right side of Eq. (12.2.8).

Therefore, the constants (a’s) can be solved for by
1
fag ¼ ½C fdg ð12:2:10Þ
Equation (12.2.7) can now be expressed as

1
fcg ¼ ½P ½C fdg ð12:2:11Þ
or fcg ¼ ½N fdg ð12:2:12Þ
where ½N ¼ ½P ½C 1 is the 3 12 shape function matrix. A specific form of the shape

functions Ni ; Nj ; Nm , and Nn is given in Reference [9].
Step 3 Define the Strain (Curvature)-Displacement

and Stress (Moment)-Curvature Relationships
The curvature matrix, based on the curvatures of Eq.(12.1.3), is
8 9 8 9
< kx = > < 2a4 6a7 x 2a8 y 6a11 xy >
=
fkg ¼ ky ¼ 2a6 2a9 x 6a10 y 6a12 xy ð12:2:13Þ
: ; >: 2a >
kxy 5 4a8 x 4a9 y 6a11 x 2 6a12 y 2 ;
or expressing Eq. (12.2.13) in matrix form, we have
fkg ¼ ½Q fag ð12:2:14Þ
where ½Q is the 3 12 coe cient matrix multiplied by the a’s in Eq. (12.2.13). Using
Eq. (12.2.10) for fag, we express the curvature matrix as
fkg ¼ ½B fdg ð12:2:15Þ

1
where ½B ¼ ½Q ½C ð12:2:16Þ
is the 3 12 gradient matrix.

The moment-curvature matrix for a plate is given by
8 9 8 9
< Mx >
> = < kx =
fMg ¼ My ¼ ½D ky ¼ ½D ½B fdg ð12:2:17Þ
:M >
> ; :
kxy
;
xy
where the ½D matrix is the constitutive matrix given for isotropic materials by
2 3
1 n 0
6 7
Et 3 6n 1 0 7
½D ¼ 6 7 ð12:2:18Þ
12ð1 n 2 Þ 6
4
7
1 n5
0 0
2
and Eq. (12.2.15) has been used in the final expression for Eq. (12.2.17).
Step 4 Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations

The sti¤ness matrix is given by the usual form of the sti¤ness matrix as
ðð
½k ¼ ½B T ½D ½B dx dy ð12:2:19Þ
where ½B is defined by Eq. (12.2.16) and ½D is defined by Eq. (12.2.18). The sti¤ness
matrix for the four-noded rectangular element is of order 12 12. A specific expres-
sion for ½k is given in References [4] and [5].
The surface force matrix due to distributed loading q acting per unit area in the
z direction is obtained using the standard equation
ðð
fFs g ¼ ½Ns T q dx dy ð12:2:20Þ
For a uniform load q acting over the surface of an element of dimensions 2b 2c,
Eq. (12.2.20) yields the forces and moments at node i as
8 9 8 9
< fwi >
> = < 1=4 >
> =
fyxi ¼ 4qcb c=12 ð12:2:21Þ
:f >
> ; > >
: b=12 ;
yyi
with similar expressions at nodes j; m, and n. We should note that a uniform load
yields applied couples at the nodes as part of the work-equivalent load replacement,
just as was the case for the beam element (Section 4.4).
The element equations are given by
8 9 2 k k12 ... k1; 12

38 9
>
> f >
>
11 > wi >>
7>
wi
> >
> 6 > >
>
>
> fyxi >> 6 k21 k22 ... k2; 12 > yxi >
7> >
>
>
> >
> 6 7>
>
> >
>
< = 6 k ... 7< =
fyyi ¼ 6 31 k32 k3; 12 7 yyi
ð12:2:22Þ
6 7
> >
> 6 7> >
>
>
> .
.. >> 6 > .. >
7> >
>
>
> >
> 6 7>
> . >
>
> > 4
> 5>
> >
>
: ; :y >
> ;
fyyn k . . . k12; 12 yn
12; 1
The rest of the steps, including assembling the global equations, applying
boundary conditions (now boundary conditions on w; yx ; yy ), and solving the equa-
tions for the nodal displacements and slopes (note three degrees of freedom per
node), follow the standard procedures introduced in previous chapters.
d 12.3 Some Plate Element d

Numerical Comparisons
We now present some numerical comparisons of quadrilateral plate element formula-
tions. Remember there are numerous plate element formulations in the literature.
Figure 12–6 shows a number of plate element formulation results for a square plate
simply supported all around and subjected to a concentrated vertical load applied at
the center of the plate. The results are shown to illustrate the upper and lower bound
solution behavior and demonstrate the convergence of solution for various plate ele-
ment formulations. Included in these results is the 12-term polynomial described in
Section 12.2. We note that the 12-term polynomial converges to the exact solution
from above. It yields an upper bound solution. Because the interelement continuity
of slopes is not ensured by the 12-term polynomial, the lower bound classical charac-
teristic of a minimum potential energy formulation is not obtained. However, as
more elements are used, the solution converges to the exact solution [1].
12.3 Some Plate Element Numerical Comparisons d 583
Figure 12–6 Numerical comparisons: quadrilateral plate element formulations

(Gallagher, Richard H., Finite Element Analysis: Fundamentals, 1st, c 1975. Printed and
Electronically reproduced by permission of Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey.)
Figure 12–7 shows comparisons of triangular plate formulations for the same
centrally loaded simply supported plate used to compare quadrilateral element formu-
lations in Figure 12–6. We can observe from Figures 12–6 and 12–7 a number of dif-
ferent formulations with results that converge from above and below. Some of these
elements produce better results than others.
The Algor program [19] uses, among others, the Veubeke (after Baudoin
Fraeijs de Veubeke) 16-degrees-of-freedom ‘‘subdomain’’ formulation [7], which
converges from below, as it is based on a compatible displacement formulation.
For more information on some of these formulations, consult the references at the
end of the chapter.
Finally, Figure 12–8 shows results for some selected Mindlin plate theory ele-
ments. Mindlin plate elements account for bending deformation and for transverse
shear deformation. For more on Mindlin plate theory, see Reference [6]. The ‘‘heterosis’’
element [10] is the best performing element in Figure 12–8.
Mesh size (Fig. 12–6)
Figure 12–7 Numerical comparisons for a simply supported square plate subjected
to center load triangular element formulations (Gallagher, Richard H., Finite Element
Analysis: Fundamentals, 1st, c 1975. Printed and Electronically reproduced by
permission of Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.)
d 12.4 Computer Solutions d

for Plate Bending Problems
A computer program solution for plant bending problems [19] is now illustrated in
Example 12.2. The plate element is a three- or four-noded element formulated in
three-dimensional space. The element degrees of freedom allowed are all three transla-
tions (u; v, and w) and in-plane rotations (yx and yy ). The rotational degrees of free-
dom normal to the plate are undefined and must be constrained. The element formu-
lated in the computer program is the 16-term polynomial described in References [5]
and [7]. This element is known as the Veubeke plate in the program. The 16-node for-
mulation converges from below for the displacement analysis, as it is based on a com-
patible displacement formulation. This is also shown in Figure 12–6 for the clamped
plate subjected to a concentrated center load.
12.4 Computer Solutions for Plate Bending Problems d 585
Figure 12–8 Center deflection of a uniformly loaded clamped square plate of side
length LT and thickness t. An 8 8 mesh is used in all cases. Thin plates correspond
to large LT /t. Transverse shear deformation becomes significant for small LT /t.
Integration rules are reduced (R), selective (S), and full (F) [18], based on Mindlin plate
element formulations (Cook, R., Malkus, D., and Plesha, M. Concepts and Applications
of Finite Element Analysis, 3rd ed., 1989, p. 326. Reprinted by permission of John Wiley
& Sons, Inc., New York)
Example 12.1
The problem of a square steel plate fixed along all four edges and subjected to a con-
centrated load at its center is shown in Figure 12–9. Determine the maximum vertical
deflection of the plate.
Figure 12–9 A 2 2 mesh model of the clamped plate of Example 12.1
Figure 12–10 Displacement plot of the clamped plate of Example 12.1 (See the
full-color insert for a color version of this figure.)
SOLUTION:
A 2 2 mesh was created to model the plate. The resulting vertical displacement plot
is shown in Figure 12–10. The maximum displacement located at the center of the
plate is 0:07583 in.
The classical plate bending solution for the maximum displacement (which
occurs under the concentrated center load) is given in Reference [1] as
w ¼ 0:0056PL2 =D ¼ 0:0056ð 100 lbÞð20 in:Þ2 =ð2:747 103 lb-in:Þ ¼ 0:0815 in:
where
D ¼ Et3 =ð12ð1 v2 Þ ¼ ð30 106 psiÞð0:1 in:Þ3 =½12ð1 0:32 Þ ¼ 2:747 103 lb-in:
A mesh refinement to a 4 4 mesh would show convergence toward the classical
solution. 9
Example 12.2
The clamped plate of Example 12.1 is now reinforced with 2-in. wide 12-in. deep
rectangular cross-section beams spanning the centers in both directions as indicated
by the lines dividing the plate into four parts in Figure 12–11(a). (Figure 1–5 also
illustrates how a chimney stack was modeled using both beam and plate elements.)
12.4 Computer Solutions for Plate Bending Problems d 587
100 lb
(a)
(b)
Figure 12–11 (a) Model of beam and plate elements combined at centerline of
elements and (b) vertical deflection plot for model in part (a)
SOLUTION:
The resulting displacement plot is shown in Figure 12–11(b). The maximum displace-
ment is now decreased to 1:324 10 6 in. 9
Example 12.3
A finite element model of a computer case is shown in Figure 12–12(a). The model
consists of plate bending elements.
SOLUTION:
Figure 12–12(b) shows the 0.1-psi uniform pressure applied to the top surface, the
fixed boundary conditions applied to the bottom of the case, and the resulting von
Mises stress plot. For more details of the dimensions used, see Problem 12.13. 9
(a)
(b)
Figure 12–12 (a) Finite element model of a computer case composed of plate bending
elements and (See the full-color insert for a color version of this figure.) (b) the pressure
load, boundary conditions, and resulting von Mises stress (by Nicholas Dachniwskyj)
d Summary Equations
Plate curvatures expressions:
q2w q2w 2q 2 w
kx ¼ ky ¼ kxy ¼ ð12:1:3Þ
qx 2 qy 2 qxqy
Summary Equations d 589
Strain–displacement equations:
q2w q2w q2w
ex ¼ z 2 ey ¼ z gxy ¼ 2z ð12:1:4aÞ
qx qy 2 qxqy
Stress–strain relations:
E
sx ¼ ðex þ ney Þ
1 n2
E
sy ¼ ðey þ nex Þ ð12:1:5Þ
1 n2
txy ¼ Ggxy
Moment-curvature relations:
Dð1 nÞ
Mx ¼ Dðkx þ nky Þ My ¼ Dðky þ nkx Þ Mxy ¼ kxy ð12:1:7Þ
2
where D ¼ Et 3 =½12ð1 n2Þ .
Normal stress on plate due to bending:
6Mx
sx ¼ ð12:1:8Þ
t2
Potential energy in plate:
ð
1
U¼
ðMx kx þ My ky þ Mxy kxy Þ dA ð12:1:12Þ
2
Transverse displacement function for four-noded rectangular plate:
w ¼ a1 þ a2 x þ a3 y þ a4 x 2 þ a5 xy þ a6 y 2 þ a7 x 3 þ a8 x 2 y
þ a9 xy 2 þ a10 y 3 þ a11 x 3 y þ a12 xy 3 ð12:2:4Þ
Gradient matrix:
1
½B ¼ ½Q ½C ð12:2:16Þ
Moment-curvature matrix for four-noded rectangular plate:
8 9 8 9
< Mx >
> = < kx =
fMg ¼ My ¼ ½D ky ¼ ½D ½B fdg ð12:2:17Þ
:M >
> ; : ;
xy kxy
Constitutive matrix for plate bending:
2 3
1 n 0
6 7
Et 3 6n 1 0 7
½D ¼ 6 7 ð12:2:18Þ
12ð1 n Þ 6
2
4
7
1 n5
0 0
2
Sti¤ness matrix:
ðð
½k ¼ ½B T ½D ½B dx dy ð12:2:19Þ
Surface-force matrix at node i for plate under uniform pressure:
8 9 8 9
>
< fwi > = < 1=4 >
> =
fyxi ¼ 4qcb c=12 ð12:2:21Þ
>
:f > ; : b=12 >
> ;
yyi
d References
[1] Timoshenko, S. and Woinowsky-Krieger, S., Theory of Plates and Shells, 2nd ed.,
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1969.
[2] Gere, J. M., and Goodno, B. J. Mechanics of Material, 7th ed., Cengage Learning, Mason,
OH, 2009.
[3] Hrabok, M. M., and Hrudley, T. M., ‘‘A Review and Catalog of Plate Bending Finite
Elements,’’ Computers and Structures, Vol. 19, No. 3, 1984, pp. 479–495.
[4] Zienkiewicz, O. C., and Taylor R. L., The Finite Element Method, 4th ed., Vol. 2,
McGraw-Hill, New York, 1991.
[5] Gallagher, R. H., Finite Element Analysis Fundamentals, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cli¤s, NJ, 1975.
[6] Cook, R. D., Malkus, D. S., Plesha, M. E., and Witt, R. J., Concepts and Applications of
Finite Element Analysis, 4th ed., Wiley, New York, 2002.
[7] Fraeijs De Veubeke, B., ‘‘A Conforming Finite Element for Plate Bending,’’ International
Journal of Solids and Structures, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 95–108, 1968.
[8] Walz, J. E., Fulton, R. E., and Cyrus N. J., ‘‘Accuracy and Convergence of Finite Element
Approximations,’’ Proceedings of the Second Conference on Matrix Method in Structural
Mechanics, AFFDL TR 68-150, pp. 995–1027, Oct., 1968.
[9] Melosh, R. J., ‘‘Basis of Derivation of Matrices for the Direct Sti¤ness Method,’’ Journal
of AIAA, Vol. 1, pp. 1631–1637, 1963.
[10] Hughes, T. J. R., and Cohen, M., ‘‘The ‘Heterosis’ Finite Element for Plate Bending,’’
Computers and Structures, Vol. 9, No. 5, 1978, pp. 445–450.
[11] Bron, J., and Dhatt, G., ‘‘Mixed Quadrilateral Elements for Bending,’’ Journal of AIAA,
Vol. 10, No. 10, pp. 1359–1361, Oct., 1972.
[12] Kikuchi, F., and Ando, Y., ‘‘Some Finite Element Solutions for Plate Bending Problems by Sim-
plified Hybrid Displacement Method,’’ Nuclear Engineering Design, Vol. 23, pp. 155–178, 1972.
[13] Bazeley, G., Cheung, Y., Irons, B., and Zienkiewicz, O., ‘‘Triangular Elements in Plate
Bending—Conforming and Non-Conforming Solutions,’’ Proceedings of the First Conference
on Matrix Methods on Structural Mechanics, AFFDL TR 66-80, pp. 547–576, Oct., 1965.
[14] Razzaque, A. Q., ‘‘Program for Triangular Elements with Derivative Smoothing,’’ Inter-
national Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 333–344, 1973.
[15] Morley, L. S. D., ‘‘The Constant-Moment Plate Bending Element,’’ Journal of Strain
Analysis, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 20–24, 1971.
[16] Harvey, J. W., and Kelsey, S., ‘‘Triangular Plate Bending Elements with Enforced Com-
patibility,’’ AIAA Journal, Vol. 9, pp. 1023–1026, 1971.
[17] Cowper, G. R., Kosko, E., Lindberg, G., and Olson M., ‘‘Static and Dynamic Applica-
tions of a High Precision Triangular Plate Bending Element’’, AIAA Journal, Vol. 7,
No. 10, pp. 1957–1965, 1969.
[18] Hinton, E., and Huang, H. C., ‘‘A Family of Quadrilateral Mindlin Plate Elements with
Substitute Shear Strain Fields,’’ Computers and Structures, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 409–431, 1986.
[19] Linear Stress and Dynamics Reference Division, Docutech On-line Documentation, Algor,
Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, 1999.
d Problems
Problems d 591
Figure P12–1
of 1 lb/in 2 . Using a 2 2 mesh and then a 4 4 mesh, determine the maximum

deflection and maximum stress in the plate. Compare the finite element solution to the
classical one in [1].
12.2 An L-shaped plate (Figure P12–2) with thickness 0.1 in. is made of ASTM A-36
steel. Determine the deflection under the load and the maximum principal stress and its
location using the plate element. Then model the plate as a grid with two beam elements
with each beam having the sti¤ness of each L-portion of the plate and compare your
answer.
Figure P12–2
12.3 A square (Figure P12–3) simply supported 20 in. 20 in. steel plate with thickness
0.15 in. has a round hole of 4 in. diameter drilled through its center. The plate is uniformly
loaded with a load of 2 lb/in2 . Determine the maximum principal stress in the plate.
Figure P12–3
12.4 A C-channel section (Figure P12–4) structural steel beam of 2-in. wide flanges, 3 in. depth
and thickness of both flanges and web of 0.25 in. is loaded as shown with 100 lb acting in
the y direction on the free end. Determine the free end deflection and angle of twist.
Now move the load in the z direction until the rotation (angle of twist) becomes zero.
12 in. .
3 in
Figure P12–4
This distance is called the shear center (the location where the force can be placed so that
the cross section will bend but not twist). You will need to add a beam or plate element
to the center of the web extended into the negative z direction and place the load at the end
of this proper length beam. (See Table 5–1 for the equation for the shear center location.)
12.5 For the simply supported structural steel W 14 61 wide flange beam shown in
Figure P12–5, compare the plate element model results with the classical beam bending
results for deflection and bending stress. The beam is subjected to a central vertical
load of 22 kip. The cross-sectional area is 17.9 in. 2 , depth is 13.89 in., flange width is
9.995 in., flange thickness is 0.645 in., web thickness is 0.375 in., and moment of inertia
about the strong axis is 640 in. 4
Figure P12–5
12.6 For the structural steel plate structure shown in Figure P12–6, determine the maximum
principal stress and its location. If the stresses are unacceptably high, recommend any
6 in.
8i
n. 10
in.
in.
10
8i
n.
Figure P12–6
Problems d 593
design changes. The initial thickness of each plate is 0.25 in. The left and right edges
are simply supported. The load is a uniformly applied pressure of 10 lb/in. 2 over the
top plate.
12.7 Design a steel box structure (Figure P12–7) 4 ft wide 8 ft long made of plates to be
used to protect construction workers while working in a trench. That is, determine a
recommended thickness of each plate. The depth of the structure must be 8 ft. Assume
the loading is from a side load acting along the long sides due to a wet soil (density of
62.4 lb/ft 3 ) and varies linearly with the depth. The allowable deflection of the plate type
structure is 1 in. and the allowable stress is 20 ksi.
Figure P12–7
12.8 Determine the maximum deflection and maximum principal stress of the circular
plate shown in Figure P12–8. The plate is subjected to a uniform pressure p ¼ 700 kPa
and fixed along its outer edge. Let E ¼ 200 GPa, n ¼ 0:3, radius r ¼ 500 mm, and
thickness t ¼ 12 mm.
p
r
o x x
Figure P12–8
12.9 Determine the maximum deflection and maximum principal stress for the plate shown
in Figure P12–9. The plate is fixed along all three sides. A uniform pressure of 70 MPa
is applied to the surface. The plate is made of steel with E ¼ 200 GPa, n ¼ 0:3, and
thickness t ¼ 6 mm, a ¼ 0:75 m and b ¼ 1 m.
a
aⲐ2
x
B
Figure P12–9
b
12.10 An aircraft cabin window of circular cross section and simple supports all around as
shown in Figure P12–10 is made of polycarbonate with E ¼ 0:345 106 psi, n ¼ 0:36,
radius ¼ 20 in., and thickness t ¼ 0:75 in. The safety of the material is tested at a uni-
form pressure of 10 psi. Determine the maximum deflection and maximum principal
stress in the material. The yield strength of the material is 9 ksi. Comment on the po-
tential use of this material in regard to strength and deflection.
r Figure P12–10
r r
12.11 A square steel plate 2 m 2 m and 10 mm thick at the bottom of a tank must support
salt water at a height of 3 m, as shown in Figure P12–11. Assume the plate to be built
in (fixed all around). The plate allowable stress is 100 MPa. Let E ¼ 200 GPa, n ¼ 0:3
for the steel properties. The weight density of salt water is 10.054 kN/m3. Determine
the maximum principal stress in the plate and compare to the yield strength.
3m
Figure P12–11
2m
2m
12.12 A stockroom floor carries a uniform load of p ¼ 80 lb/ft2 over half the floor as shown
in Figure P12–12. The floor has opposite edges clamped and remaining edges and mid-
span simply supported. The dimensions are 10 ft by 20 ft. The floor thickness is 6 in.
The floor is made of reinforced concrete with E ¼ 3 106 psi and n ¼ 0:25. Determine
the maximum deflection and maximum principal stress in the floor.
Center
0.1 psi top hole 1
1 in.
4 in. × 6 in. 2
4 in.
2 in.
10 in.
4 in. 30 in.
3 in.
2 in. all around 1 in.
backside 2 in.
12 in.
8 in.
1 in.
1
1 in.
2
Constrained
2 in.
6 in.
2 in.
Note: Center four vents 5 in. × 1 in. w. 3/4 in. space between
Figure P12–13 Computer case
120 in. R
30 in. R
60 in.
120 in.
96 in.
Figure P12–14 Hopper
16.00 in
3.50 in
5.00 in
14.00 in
7.00 in
3.00 in
7.00 in
Split surfaces on the bucket
600 lb load on Fully constrain 3 split

this surface surfaces
Figure P12–16 Tractor bucket with dimensions shown in inches (Done in Cosmos
Works and created by John Mirth and Brian Niggeman)

11-Plate Bending Element

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

11-Plate Bending Element

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CHAPTER

d 12.1 Basic Concepts of Plate Bending d

Basic Behavior of Geometry and Deformation

the z direction, and the deﬂection w of point P is assumed to be a function of x and y

1. Normals remain normal. This implies that transverse shear strains

and similarly the same point has displacement in the y direction of

q2w q2w q2w

or using Eq. (12.1.3) in Eq.(12.1.4a), we have

Potential Energy of a Plate

d 12.2 Derivation of a Plate Bending Element d

Figure 12–5 Basic rectangular plate

Step 1 Select Element Type

Step 2 Select the Displacement Function

or in simple matrix form the degrees of freedom matrix is

fcg ¼ ½P fag ð12:2:7Þ

where ½P is the 3 12 ﬁrst matrix on the right side of Eq. (12.2.6).

In compact matrix form, we express Eq. (12.2.8) as

fdg ¼ ½C fag ð12:2:9Þ

where ½C is the 12 12 matrix on the right side of Eq. (12.2.8).

Equation (12.2.7) can now be expressed as

where ½N ¼ ½P ½C 1 is the 3 12 shape function matrix. A speciﬁc form of the shape

Step 3 Define the Strain (Curvature)-Displacement

or expressing Eq. (12.2.13) in matrix form, we have

fkg ¼ ½Q fag ð12:2:14Þ

fkg ¼ ½B fdg ð12:2:15Þ

is the 3 12 gradient matrix.

Step 4 Derive the Element Stiffness Matrix and Equations

8 9 2 k k12 ... k1; 12

d 12.3 Some Plate Element d

Figure 12–6 Numerical comparisons: quadrilateral plate element formulations

Mesh size (Fig. 12–6)

d 12.4 Computer Solutions d

Figure 12–9 A 2 2 mesh model of the clamped plate of Example 12.1

of 1 lb/in 2 . Using a 2 2 mesh and then a 4 4 mesh, determine the maximum

Figure P12–13 Computer case

Figure P12–14 Hopper

Split surfaces on the bucket

600 lb load on Fully constrain 3 split

You might also like