Analyzing square plate in diagonal compression using Beltrami-Michell methodology

This paper is concerned with the “Study of photoelasticity and a photoelastic theoretical investigation of the stress distribution in Square Blocks subjected to concentrated diagonal loads”, a thesis topic by M.M. Frocht who developed the well-known semi empirical Shear Stress Difference method. Indeed, the use of the Beltrami-Michell methodology remains quick, when complemented by photoelasticity to acquire Dirichlet’s conditions. The synergy of both methods is enhanced with the use of the finite difference method. In addition, a finite element analysis has provided results that will be a supplementary reference for validation. The results obtained have been of lower cost than those obtained by Frocht.