This paper presents a semi-analytical approach for the dynamic analysis of rectangular
plates. The mathematical model is developed using a hybrid combination of the finite
element method and Sanders' shell theory. The in-plane, membrane displacement
components are modelled by bilinear polynomials and the out-of-plane, normal to mid-
surface displacement component is modelled by an exponential function that represents a
general form of the exact solution of the equations of motion. The displacement functions are …