Finite element bending and free vibration analysis of layered plates using new first order shear deformation theory

• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.113143
• Publication Date: 2020-10-17T02:13:17Z
• Authors: A. Rajaneesh; H.G. Patel; R.P. Shimpi
• Keywords: Plate theory

Abstract Displacement based finite element using equivalent-single-layer theory is proposed. Variationally consistent new first-order shear deformation theory (NFSDT) is used to derive total potential energy, mass, stiffness and force matrices. Present NFSDT has only two variables against three variables in Mindlin’s first order theory. Resulting finite element equations are elastically uncoupled with only inertial coupling. Present finite element equations have strong similarity with finite elements based on classical plate theory. Proposed finite element is free from shear locking. Effectiveness of the proposed element is brought out by simulating static bending and free vibration analysis of three layered thin to moderately thick symmetric sandwich plates. Effectiveness of the proposed finite element is demonstrated using test cases from scientific literature.