Equilibrium finite element membranes with body loads

This article describes recent developments in membrane equilibrium finite elements, building on earlier work by incorporating excitation in the forms of thermal and mechanical body loading. The inclusion of these types of loading enables more general applications of the element in engineering design and analysis, particularly in scenarios where the strong equilibrium achieved by such elements may be effectively utilized. The methodology presented in this article has been implemented in a computer program and is demonstrated through numerical examples. The results are compared with independently obtained numerical solutions using conforming finite elements. The article concludes with suggestions for further work.