A new approach for the large deflection finite element analysis of isotropic and composite plates with arbitrary orientated stiffeners

A new approach for the large deflection analysis of isotropic and composite arbitrary orientated stiffened plates is presented. Non-linear equilibrium equations are derived using the principle of virtual work applied to a continuum with a total Lagrangian description of motion. Eight node isoparametric plate elements are combined with three node beam elements, using the concept of equal displacements at the plate-stiffener interface, to represent the stiffened plate. The stiffness of the beam element is computed first irrespective of its position within the plate element and then transferred to the plate nodes depending on its orientation and position within the plate element. The Newton-Raphson incremental-iterative solution technique is used to obtain the non-linear response path. Results obtained by the present approach are compared with those available in the open literature to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed approach and good agreement is found in all the investigated cases. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.