Hello,
We are writing a finite element code for the Classical Laminated Plate Theory, that is the extension of the classical plate theory for laminated orthotropic plates. The assumed displacement field is: u = u_0 - z*dw/dx v = v_0 - z*dw/dy w = w_0
The boundary conditions, which can be derived from the virtual work principle, include the Kirchhoff free-edge condition which states that the shear force consists of: Q_n + d(M_ns)/ds at the boundaries of the domain. So far the theory, but we have some problems with the finite element implementation. This implementation is described in the books by J.N. Reddy, but the treatment of the boundary conditions is only explained very briefly and we don't understand quite well. As this Kirchhoff boundary condition is only valid at the edges of the domain, the internal boundary conditions should be different (because out-of-plane shear is not included in the finite element formulation). Further, the analytical solutions for classical plate theory result in concentrated upward loads of 2*M_xy in the corners of simply supported plates. How are these translated into the finite element discretization ?
Does anybody know where to find some more information, such as:
- good books with detailed description of the finite element implementation of classical plate theory, and in particular the boundary conditions,
- public finite element software for plates, with source code available (preferably in C/C++),
- ...
Best regards, Wim Van Paepegem E-mail : snipped-for-privacy@UGent.be