Finite Element Analysis of Plate Based on Linear and Quadratic Triangular Elements

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to estimate the displacement and strain of a thin plane based on the 3- and 6- node triangular element using MATLAB. Firstly, MATLAB programming was applied to determine the stiffness matrix of 3- and 6-node triangular element in a two-dimensional plane. Secondly, MATLAB was continuous utilized to calculated strain and displacement of the plate when under tension condition based on both element types, also ANSYS software was employed to verify results obtained from MATLAB. Through the comparison of the two results, the error nearly zero, indicating the validation of MATLAB program. Eventually, the influence of the varying both elastic modulus and load on strain and displacement of the plate were analyzed. Results show that with the increase value of elastic modulus, the strain and displacement of both types of elements are all reduced. With the change of loading conditions, the corresponding displacement and strain conditions become complicated. In addition, quadratic triangular element provides more information than linear triangular element.