Modeling via differential quadrature method: Three-dimensional solutions for rectangular plates

This paper presents the formulation and numerical analysis of the three-dimensional plate model using the differential quadrature (DQ) method. The equilibrium equations, stress displacement relations and boundary conditions for the three-dimensional plate model are first presented. These equations are then normalised and discretised using the DQ procedure. Example problems for rectangular plates with generic boundary conditions are selected to illustrate the computational efficiency and applicability of the DQ procedure. The convergence characteristics of the method are first conducted, based on numerical studies. The solutions are then compared, where possible, with the analytical or exact solutions. It is found that the differential quadrature method yields accurate results for the plate problems under the current investigation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.