Mixed-hybrid scheme of the finite element method for solving the problems on bending,free vibration,and stability of plates

To solve a problem on bending, vibration, and stability of plates, a hybrid finite element has been constructed on the basis of Zienkiewicz’s triangle. A mixed approximation is used for the plate deflection and turning angles. It is shown that with a decrease in the triangle dimensions the mixed approach ensures convergence both for the plate deflection and the bending moments, which is practically independent of the way the plate is split into triangular elements. In the problems on free vibrations and stability of plates, the mixed approach yields more exact values of the eigenfrequencies and critical loads as compared to a classical Zienkiewicz’s triangle. The results of the numerical analysis of the convergence and accuracy of the solutions to a number of test problems on bending, free vibration, and stability of a square plate are presented. __________ Translated from Problemy Prochnosti, No. 4, pp. 108–122, July–August, 2008.