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Optimization of a finite element mesh for plates subjected to in-plane patch loading

Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology volume 33, pages 1185–1193 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

In designing in-plane stressed thin plates, the loading condition where the uniform distributed edge forces are locally applied along one or more of the plate’s boundaries is often encountered. We investigated the optimal grid pattern that can be used in the analysis of the displacement and stress fields of a simply supported thin plate partially compressed. The plate modelling was created by means of an isoparametric rectangular element. This grid pattern was designed to satisfy good accuracy with low density. A convergence analysis was performed through different sets of meshes locally refined in a judicious way. For each focused field, the critical plate area was searched. Displacement and max stress values were recorded in the respective searched critical zone. Good results were obtained in seeking stress and displacement fields using, respectively, a small and a more expanded local refinement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sciences and Technology H. Boumediene, Bartner, Algeria

    Ghania Ikhenazen & Madina Kilardj

  2. Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK

    Messaoud Saidani

Authors
  1. Ghania Ikhenazen
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  2. Messaoud Saidani
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  3. Madina Kilardj
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ghania Ikhenazen.

Additional information

Recommended by Associate Editor Yang Zheng

Ghania Ikhenazen received her M.Phil. in Civil Engineering from Heriot Watt University in the United Kingdom; also, her Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene in Algeria, in 2010, where she is currently a Lecturer and an Associate Researcher. Her research interests include buckling and ultimate strength analyses of plate structures.

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Ikhenazen, G., Saidani, M. & Kilardj, M. Optimization of a finite element mesh for plates subjected to in-plane patch loading. J Mech Sci Technol 33, 1185–1193 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-019-0218-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-019-0218-0

Keywords

  • Displacement curves
  • Finite element analysis
  • Optimal grid pattern
  • Partial compression
  • Stress
  • Thin plates