| Abstract: | This paper introduces an efficient boundary element approach for the analysis of thin plates, with arbitrary shapes and boundary conditions, resting on an elastic Winkler foundation. Boundary integral equations with three degrees-of-freedom per node are derived without unknown corner terms. A fundamental solution based upon newly defined modified Kelvin functions is formulated and it leads to a simple solution to the problem of divergent integrals. Reduction of domain loading terms for cases of distributed and concentrated loading is also provided. Case studies, including plates with free-edge conditions, are demonstrated, and the boundary element results are compared with corresponding analytical solutions. The presented formulations provide a very accurate boundary element solution for plates with different shapes and boundary conditions. |
