Three node triangular bending elements with one degree of freedom per node

This investigation assesses the bending performance of triangular plate elements with only three translational degrees of freedom per node in which the out-of-plane degree of freedom is the only displacement considered. A review is presented of three element formulations followed by the results of a series of case studies which illustrate the element behaviour. Results obtained from elastic theory and finite element analysis using more complex element formulations are given for comparative purposes.