Grid-Framework Method for Plates in Flexure

A grid-framework procedure is presented for the analysis of plates in flexure. A square or rectangular grid model with side and diagonal members is used to represent a similar element of uniform thickness in the plate. The derivation of the cross-sectional properties of the grid members is based on equating the rotations at the corners of an element of the plate with those at the nodes of its grid model when both are subjected to identical loads. The real value of Poisson's ratio is considered and thus the various boundary conditions can be correctly taken into account. Hence, the method is applicable to all plates in flexure, under the assumption of small deflection theory.