Robust Falk-Neilan Finite Elements for the Reissner-Mindlin Plate

The family of Falk-Neilan P_(k)finite elements,combined with the Argyris P_(k+1)finite elements,solves the Reissner-Mindlin plate equation quasi-optimally and locking-free,on triangular meshes.The method is truly conforming or consistent in the sense that no projection/reduction is introduced.Theoretical proof and numerical confirmation are presented.