Linear Elastic Isoparametric Spline Finite Strip Analysis of Perforated Thin-Walled Structures (No. R878)

In previous reports [1, 2], the isoparametric spline finite strip method was successfully applied to the in-plane stress and bending linear elastic analyses of perforated plates. In this report the application of the isoparametric spline finite strip method is further extended to the linear elastic analysis of tri-dimensional perforated folded plate structures. The general theory of the isoparametric spline finite strip method is briefly introduced. Kinematics assumptions and the procedure to combine in-plane (membrane) and bending characteristics are set out. Particular attention is paid to the procedure for rotating the stiffness matrix and load vector from local to global coordinates. The reliability of the method is demonstrated by comparisons with finely meshed finite element analyses. Square stiffened plates in compression and bending containing openings of different shapes are analysed