Linear elastic isoparametric spline finite strip analysis of perforated thin-walled structures

This paper describes the application of the isoparametric spline finite strip method to the linear elastic analysis of tri-dimensional perforated folded plate structures. The general theory of the isoparametric spline finite strip method is introduced. Kinematics assumptions and the procedure for combining in-plane (membrane) and bending effects are set out. Particular attention is paid to the procedure for rotating the stiffness matrix and load vector from local to global coordinates. The reliability of the method is demonstrated by comparisons with finely meshed finite element analysis results. Square stiffened perforated plates in compression and bending are analysed.