A Kirchhoff-like solution for the Mindlin plate model: A new finite element approach

Abstract: A finite element (FE) approach is presented for the analysis of the Mindlin plate model (MPM) problems. It is based on the definition of a fictitious deflection that takes into account the correct interdependence between the generalized displacements in both the continuous and FE discretized schemes. This implies that the proposed approach is free-shear locking and is characterized by a good level of accuracy, even for low order FEs. Moreover some interesting relationships between some fundamental quantities in the FE analysis of MPM problems and the corresponding quantities in the FE analysis of the Kirchhoff plate model (KPM) problems have been evidenced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]