New DKFT Elements for the Finite Element Analysis of Thin Viscoelastic Plates

Abstract

In this paper, finite element analysis of thin viscoelastic plates is performed by proposing new plate elements using complex Fourier shape functions. New discrete Kirchhoff Fourier Theory (DKFT) plate elements are constructed by the enrichment of quadratic function fields in a six-noded triangular plate element with complex Fourier radial basis functions. In order to illustrate the validity and accuracy of the presented approach and robustness of the proposed elements in viscoelasticity, finite element analysis of square and elliptical viscoelastic thin plates is performed and the results are compared to those of analytical solutions and with those obtained by discrete Kirchhoff Theory (DKT) elements and the commercial software ABAQUS. The results show that FE solutions using DKFT elements have an excellent agreement with the analytical solutions and ABAQUS solutions, even though noticeably fewer elements, in comparison to DKT and classic plate elements, are employed, which means that the computational costs are reduced effectively.

Keywords

• Finite element method
• Bending of thin plates
• Viscoelasticity
• DKFT plate element
• Complex Fourier radial basis functions
• Complex Fourier shape functions.