On optimal stabilized MITC4 plate bending elements for accurate frequency response analysis

The mixed interpolation technique of the well-established MITC4 quadrilateral plate finite element is combined with shear and generalized least-squares stabilization methods for accurate frequency response analysis. Dispersion analysis is used to determine optimal combinations of stabilization parameters, which, for a given mesh, provide for a three-fold increase in the frequency range over which accurate solutions are obtained, thus allowing for accurate solutions at significantly lower cost. Numerical results for the forced vibration of Reissner–Mindlin plates validate the observations made from the dispersion analysis.