ABSTRACT
This chapter considers basic formulations for the finite element approach for the approximate solution of plate problems. It also considers isotropic plates. The plates may have any shape and support any transverse loading. It utilizes triangular elements. Such elements are particularly suitable for irregular boundaries and they are used extensively in finite element analysis. The triangular elements with nine degrees of freedom in rectangular coordinates gave the least satisfactory results. This can be improved by adding a node inside the triangle and giving this node an additional degree of freedom so as to have a 10-DOF triangle. An 18-DOF triangle with nodes at corners and at midpoints along the sides is another possibility. The chapter points out in closing that one may also use quadrilateral elements to form conformable elements.
