Nonlinear vibration of thin elastic plates. Part 1: Generalized incremental Hamilton's principle and element formulation

Abstract

This principle is particularly suitable for the formulation of finite elements and finite strips in geometrically nonlinear plate problems due to the fact that the nonlinear parts of inplane stress resultants are functions subject to variation and that the Kirchhoff assumption is included as part of its Euler equations. Following a general formulation method, a simple triangular incremental modified Discrete Kirchhoff Theory (DKT) plate element with 15 stretching and bending nodal displacements is derived. The accuracy of this element is demonstrated via some typical examples of nonlinear bending and frequency repsonse of free vibrations. Comparisons with previous results are also made.