Abstract: This research developed the mathematical model for deflection in rectangular thin plate. The improved finite difference model for deflection was developed using Taylor’s series expression. The model was applied in analyzing the flexural behaviour of rectangular thin plate with all edges clamped. The results obtained from this numerical method were compared with the ordinary finite difference method and the exact solution to check the accuracy of the solution. Two cases of plate were considered. The results emerging from plate with 5*5 interior nodal point showed an average percentage error of -4.82% while that of plate with 7*7 nodal point showed +13.92% from the exact solution. Hence the results suggest that the accuracy of the model lies within the plate with 5*5 nodal point. However the convergence to the exact solution was close and rapid. Thus the use of improved finite difference method proved to be more accurate than the ordinary finite difference method. Therefore the model developed is effective and is recommended for use in structural engineering.
Keywords: Improved Finite Difference, Taylor Series, Rectangular thin plate, Mathematical model, Convergence, Exact solution.
Title: FLEXURAL ANALYSIS OF RECTANGULAR THIN PLATE USING IMPROVED FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD
Author: I.E Umeonyiagu, J.C Ezeh, I.P Onyike
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
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