Solutions of plate problems by finite strip method with orthogonal collocation

Abstract

Finite strip method (FSM) has been considered as a more efficient computational tool than finite element method in solving problems with rectangular geometry and simple boundary conditions. Success of FSM relies on the availability of appropriate eigenfunctions. Difficulty may arise in case of problems having irregular domain and/or complicated boundary conditions. In this paper, by using the orthogonal collocation in the interpolation function, FSM is extended to the solution of problems involving non‐rectangular domain. The proposed interpolation function can be incorporated in the generalized variational functional in dealing with complicated boundary conditions. Application of the method to the bending of elastic plates is demonstrated.

Key Words:

• finite strip method
• orthogonal collocation