Static,vibration and buckling analysis of axisymmetric circular plates using finite elements

The static, vibration, and buckling analysis of axisymmetric circular plates using the finite element method is discussed. For the static analysis, the stiffness matrix of a typical annular plate element is derived from the given displacement function and the appropriate constitutive relations. By assuming that the static displacement function, which is an exact solution of the circular plate equation ?²?²W = 0, closely represents the vibration and buckling modes, the mass and stability coefficient matrices for an annular element are also constructed. In addition to the annular element, the stiffness, mass, and stability coefficient matrices for a closure element are also included for the analysis of complete circular plates (no center hole). As an extension of the analysis, the exact displacement function for the symmetrical bending of circular plates having polar orthotropy is also given.