Reduced integration technique in general analysis of plates and shells

Abstract The solution of plate and shell problems by an independent specification of slopes and middle surface displacements is attractive due to its simplicity and ability of reproducing shear deformation. Unfortunately elements of this type are much too stiff when thickness is reduced. In an earlier paper a derivation of such an element was presented 1 which proved very successful in ‘thick’ situations. Here a very simple extension is made which allows the element to be economically used in all situations. The improved flexibility is achieved simply by reducing the order of numerical integration applied to certain terms without sacrificing convergence properties. The process is of very wide applicability in improvement of element properties.