Moving Least Square Triangle Plate Element: Moving Beyond Conventional Plate Element

The simple three-node plate bending element using Moving Least Square (MLS) shape functions is developed to model Mindlin plate problems. Using MLS, the shape functions are no longer tied to the element structure that otherwise limits the global smoothness of the approximate fields. In addition, in the case of extremely thin plates, using MLS allows a perfect match of the fields of the displacement derivative and the normal rotation, thus having an innate capability to satisfy Kirchhoff?s hypothesis exactly. With this field matching strategy, numerical tests demonstrate a complete absence of shear locking. In addition, the method provides exceptionally accurate results for both displacement and stress distributions over a wide range of plate aspect ratios.