Classical Solution Shape Functions in the Finite Element Analysis of Circular and Annular Plates

Abstract

SUMMARYThe objective of this work is to present a new method for the dynamic and static analysis of thin, elastic, isotropic, non-uniform circular and annular plates. The method is a combination of plate theory and finite element analysis. The plate is divided into one circular and many annular finite elements. The displacement functions are derived from Sanders' classical plate theory. These displacement functions satisfy the convergence criteria of the finite element method. The matrices for mass and stiffness are determined by precise analytical integration. A computer programme has been developed, the convergence criteria have been established, and the natural frequencies and vibration modes have been computed for different cases. The results obtained reveal that the frequencies calculated by this method are in good agreement with those obtained by other authors.