A spectral super element for modelling of plate vibration. Part 1: general theory

The dynamic response of vibrating structures is studied with a proposed merger of the standard finite element method with the more computationally efficient spectral finite element method. First a plate structure is modelled with a newly developed spectral super element. Then this element is coupled to other parts that can have a more complex geometry and are modelled entirely with conventional finite elements. Some numerical examples are given to illustrate and validate the developed method and studies of numerical stability are also presented. In an accompanying paper the predicted and measured response of a turbulence excited aircraft panel are compared.