A triangular element based on Reissner‐Mindlin plate theory

A new triangular plate bending element based on the Reissner‐Mindlin theory is developed through a mixed formulation emanating from the Hu‐Washizu variational principle. A main feature of the formulation is the use of a linear transverse shear interpolation scheme with discrete constraint conditions on the edges. The element is shown to avoid shear locking, converge to the Kirchhoff plate theory as the plate thickness approaches zero, and generally exhibit excellent behaviour on a series of standard problems and tests.