Isogeometric boundary integral formulation for Reissner's plate problems

Purpose This paper aims to develop a new isogeometric boundary element formulation based on non-uniform rational basis splines (NURBS) curves for solving Reissner's shear-deformable plates. Design/methodology/approach The generalized displacements and tractions along the problem boundary are approximated as NURBS curves having the same rational B-spline basis functions used to describe the geometrical boundary of the problem. The source points positions are determined over the problem boundary by the well-known Greville abscissae definition. The singular integrals are accurately evaluated using the singularity subtraction technique. Findings Numerical examples are solved to demonstrate the validity and the accuracy of the developed formulation. Originality/value This formulation is considered to preserve the exact geometry of the problem and to reduce or cancel mesh generation time by using NURBS curves employed in computer aided designs as a tool for isogeometric analysis. The present formulation extends such curves to be implemented as a stress analysis tool.