A priori error estimation of a four-node Reissner–Mindlin plate element for elasto-dynamics

The explicit finite element method for transient dynamics of linear elasticity by Reissner–Mindlin plate model is introduced. For clamped rectangular plate, the a priori error estimates are derived for the four-node Bathe–Dvorkin element. For fixed thickness, the convergence rates of deflection, rotation, and their velocities, measured both in H1-norm and L2-norm, can possibly all be optimal under certain conditions. In some cases, the numerical examples show that the convergence rate stays optimal for a certain range of thickness. In other cases, however, the deterioration in rate of convergence and even locking may occur to the velocity terms.