On the selection of p-version shape functions for plate vibration problems

This paper. discusses the performance of the p-version shape function sets for plate vibration problems. First, the basic equations using the Reissner -Mindlin plate theory for vibration problems are introduced along with the shear locking phenomenon. Then, the two most common sets of shape functions for p version, the Lagrange set Q(p) and the serendipity set Q*(p). are pr esented. The rest of the paper shows the behavior of both sets versus the s hear locking problem and the efficiency of the sets to compute eigenvalues accurately. From the shear locking study, a new set is developed. This new set proves to be: as stable as the Lagrange set and more efficient for the computation of accurate eigenvalues than the serendipity and Lagrange sets. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.