Optimal Node Location in Triangular Plate Bending Elements

Abstract

Many triangular elements have been formulated for bending plate analysis so far. In this type of element, researchers generally considered the same distance between the side nodes. The present study will show that these types of node locations are not the best. To clarify the effect of side node locations, three new triangular elements will be formulated for the analysis of thin bending plates. These are nonconforming elements and have 10, 15, and 21 degrees of freedom, respectively. Merits and disadvantages of these proposed elements will be revealed by solving different structures. Optimal side<br><br>nodes’ location will be positioned by changing the place of element nodes. Numerical tests will confirm that element accuracy in the best possible situation is much better than the state in which side nodes have the same distance. Moreover, this study will reveal that the presented optimal locations of nodes have no significant dependence on the load cases, boundary conditions, distortion of element shape, and variation of the meshes.