A multi-layer moving plate method for dynamic analysis of viscoelastically connected double-plate systems subjected to moving loads

Abstract

This article aims to firstly introduce a computational approach, named multi-layer moving plate method (MMPM), to dynamic analysis of viscoelastically connected infinitely long double-plate systems subjected to moving loads. The Reissner-Mindlin plate theory is utilized to describe the displacement field through the thickness of each plate, whilst quadratic serendipity shape functions are employed to represent unknown fields in finite element analyses (FEAs). The governing equations of motion of connected double-plate system are established in a moving coordinate system attached to the moving load. As a consequence, the paradigm can absolutely eradicate the update process of force vector since the applied load is taken into account as “stationary” in its coordinate system. First, several numerical examples for static, free vibration and dynamic analyses are exhibited to verify the accuracy of the proposed MMPM. Then, the influences of various parameters such as load’s velocity, damping coefficient, stiffness coefficient, and plate thickness on the dynamic responses of double-plate system are examined in great detail.