Nonlinear finite element analysis within strain gradient elasticity: Reissner-Mindlin plate theory versus three-dimensional theory

Nonlinear plate bending within Mindlin's strain gradient elasticity theory (SGT) is investigated by employing somewhat non-standard finite element methods. The main goal is to compare the bending results provided by the geometrically nonlinear three-dimensional (3D) theory and the geometrically nonlinear Reissner–Mindlin plate theory, i.e., the first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT), within the SGT. For the 3D theory, the nonlinear...