Application of spline finite strip method in the analysis of space structures

Abstract

The spline finite strip based on the thin plate theory has been demonstrated to be a versatile tool for the analysis of plates and shells. Applications of this method to the analysis of prismatic space structures have also been reported. This paper attempts to extend the method to the analysis of non-prismatic space structures. In the analysis, the plates that form the space structures are treated as flat shells. The Mindlin plate theory is adopted to model the bending action of the plate, and the in-plane action is modelled in the usual manner. The present formulation, which requires only C° continuity for the displacement interpolation functions, allows greater flexibility in the geometry of the structures. The accuracy and versatility of the method are also demonstrated by numerical examples. © 1990.