FLEXIBLE THIN SHELL ELEMENTS UNDER NONWHITE AND NONZERO MEAN LOADS

A finite element formulation combined with stochastic linearization an d normal mode methods developed earlier for the study of geometrically nonlinear random vibration responses of beam and frame structures sub jected to simultaneously spatial and temporal Gaussian stationary nonw hite and nonzero mean random excitations is now extended to treat the plate and shell structures in the same fashion. Examples include dynam ic random responses of simply supported square plate, cylindrical pane l with all edges supported by rigid diaphragms, clamped spherical cap, and double-curved square panel under different random loadings. To va lidate the present formulation and solutions, results are compared wit h alternative analytical solutions whenever available. The Monte Carlo simulation method is also used to generate solutions to compare with some of the present results when alternative solutions are not availab le.