A new rectangular finite element based on the strain approach for plate bending

This work deals with the development of a new four nodes rectangular finite element for the linear analysis of plate bending with transverse shear effect. The displacements field of the element has been developed by the use of the strain-based approach and it is based on the assumed independent functions for the various components of strain insofar as it is allowed by the compatibility equations. The element possesses three essential external degrees of freedom at each of the four corner nodes and satisfies the exact representation of the rigid body modes of displacements. This element is found to be numerically more efficient than the corresponding displacement-based element and its precision is evaluated through a series of tests cases related to thick and thin plates.