A python application to calculate the mode shapes of rectangular plates

Abstract

We propose a continuous model for rectangular plates that involves a mesh of slender interconnected beams. These beams are disposed orthogonally. The advantage of this model is that simple equations are involved and the behavior of the plate is accurately described. After a brief description of the model, we present an application written in the Python programing language that allows calculating the mode shapes for rectangular plates with various boundary conditions. The mode shapes achieved with the application for a specific plate are found to be similar with those obtained from simulation involving the SolidWorks software. In consequence, we conclude that the proposed model is reliable and the application developed on this base can be used to study the behavior of rectangular plates with different boundary conditions.