ABSTRACT
The true finite element method was invented by J. Turner, M.J. Clough, R.W. Martin and M.C. Topp (‘Stiffness and deflection analysis of complex structures’, 1956, reference 5, page 435), when they presented the three node in-plane triangular plate element of Figure 19.2. The derivation of the stiffness matrix of this element is described in the following section.
