The dynamic analysis of a flat plate under a moving load by the finite element method

Abstract The object of this paper is to analyse by the finite element method the dynamic responses of a flat plate subjected to various moving loads. First of all the actual continuous flat plate was replaced by a discrete system composed of isoparametric rectangular plate elements. And then the elementary and overall stiffness and mass matrices were determined and the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the flat plate were solved. Next, the Newmark direct integration method was used to find the dynamic responses of the flat plate. The effects of eccentricity, acceleration and initial velocity of the moving load, and the effect of span length were the key points of study. The dynamic behaviour of a multi‐span flat plate supported by the beam members of rigid plane frames and subjected to the action of a series of moving loads (in identical or opposite directions) were also investigated.