Bending elements for plate and shell networks.

Abstract

Triangular bending elements that can be applied to irregular plate or shell networks are presented. Equilibrium as well as elastic properties of these elements are derived. Also presented are parallelogram plate bending elements whose elastic properties include core shear deformations for sandwich or thick plates. The elements presented are peculiar to the matrix force method with virtual work concepts forming the basis for computation of the elastic properties of the elements. A method of providing transition elements between triangular and parallelogram networks is also given.