An assumed-stress hybrid element for static and free vibration analysis of folded plates

A four-node hybrid stress element for analysing orthotropic folded plate structures is presented. The formulation is based on Hellinger-Reissner variational principle. The element is developed by combining a hybrid plane stress element and a hybrid plate element. The proposed element has six degree of freedom per node and permits an easy connection to other type of elements. An equilibrated stress field in each element and inter element compatible boundary displacement field are assumed independently. Static and free vibration analyses of folded plates are carried out on numerical examples to show that the validity and efficiency of the present element.