Boundary element method analysis of assembled plate structures undergoing large deflection

The boundary element method (BEM) for large deflection of shear deformable plates is reformulated to the case of multi-section assembled plate structures. Each plate section is modelled as a BEM region under membrane and bending loads, with force, moments, displacements, and rotations represented by generalized traction and displacement nodal variables on the boundary. Non-linear terms in the boundary integral formulation for each section that arises owing to large deflection are treated as effective body forces, and the associated domain integrals are transformed into boundary integrals using the dual reciprocity method. Derivatives of stresses and deflection on the boundary arise in the non-linear terms, and are evaluated by exploring their values at interior domain points using radial basis functions. Plate sections are joined along their edges using compatibility and equilibrium conditions involving the generalized traction and displacement nodal variables. The resulting non-linear equation system is solved numerically using an Incremental load approach. An illustrative example of the method is presented for a transversely loaded plate reinforced with Z-stringers.