The increased convergence rate of the WBM has been demonstrated for various validation examples [2]. Nevertheless, it appears that the WBM suffers from convergence problems when singularities arise in the problem solution [3]. In general it is difficult to achieve accurate prediction results whenever singularities are present. Also for standard FE calculations it is difficult to reach reliable results due to a large pollution error invading the whole domain [4,5]. For a polygonal plate domain, singularities can be expected in the corner points if the interior angle exceeds a critical value. The critical angle depends on the type of boundary conditions along the edges adjacent to the corner. To solve the convergence problems of the WBM for polygonal plate domains, this paper suggests to extend the conventional set of wave functions with a number of corner functions that are capable of representing accurately the singularities. The corner functions are defined as the homogeneous solutions for an infinite wedge domain. These solutions need to satisfy both the homogeneous, dynamic equation and the boundary conditions along the two edges forming the corner. In this way the corner functions represent the exact state of stress that is expected in the corner of the plate domain. However, it is only possible to define the exact solution if the two radial edges are both simply-supported. For other combinations of radial boundary conditions, a procedure is presented to derive the corner functions from Williams' static eigenfunctions [6], such that the singular behaviour in the vicinity of the corner is asymptotically correct.

The capabilities of this enhanced WBM are demonstrated by three validation examples. A first example consists of a clamped plate. In this case no singularities are present and the WBM does not have to be adapted. It is shown that the WBM does not suffer from dispersion errors and that it is capable of making accurate predictions with a substantially smaller computational effort as compared to the FEM. The second example consists of a simply-supported plate. In this case singularities are present. Therefore the WBM is extended with some additional corner functions. Since all boundaries are simply-supported the exact analytical solutions can be used as corner functions. The enhanced WBM no longer suffers from convergence problems and is shown to have a higher convergence rate than the FEM. Also for the last example that consists of two clamped and two free boundaries, singularities are present. In this case, the corner functions must be derived from the static eigenfunctions. It is demonstrated that also with the derived corner functions the convergence problems are solved and a high convergence rate is achieved. As a conclusion it may be stated that the enhanced WBM is capable of making accurate predictions, even if the problem solution contains singularities. Moreover, it shows to have an increased convergence rate compared to the FEM. This computational efficiency allows the WBM to be applied towards higher frequencies and relaxes the frequency limitation of the FEM.

1

E. Trefftz, "Ein Gegenstück zum Ritschen Verfahren", in "Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress on Applied Mechanics", pages 131-137, Zürich, Switzerland, 1926.

2

W. Desmet, "A Wave based prediction technique for coupled vibro-acoustic analysis", Ph.D. dissertation, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Departement Werktuigkunde, Leuven, 1998.

3

C. Vanmaele, W. Desmet, D. Vandepitte, "On the use of the wave based method for the steady-state dynamic analysis of three-dimensional plate assemblies", in "Proceedings of ISMA2004", Leuven, 2004.

4

J. Robinson, "An evaluation of skew sensitivity of thirty three plate bending elements in nineteen FEM systems", Finite Element News - special report, 1985.

5

R.H. MacNeal, "Finite Elements: their design and performance, Marcel Dekker Inc, New York, 1994.

6

M.L. Williams, "Surface Stress Singularities Resulting from various Boundary Conditions in Angular Plates under Bending", in "Proceedings of the First U.S. National Congress of Applied Mechanics",325-329,1952.