ABSTRACT
In Chapter 4, cubic polynomials are used as transverse shape functions for the strips in plate-bending analysis. These shape functions ensure compatibility of deflection and transverse slopes at strip boundaries, but do not guarantee continuity of the curvature between adjacent strips. Therefore, the resulting transverse bending moment is often discontinuous across strip boundaries, and not equal to zero on the free edges of a plate. Similar situations also happen to the strips for in-plane stress analysis.
