Abstract

A total Lagrangian finite element formulation for the geometrically nonlinear analysis (large displacement/large rotations) of shells is presented. Explicit expressions of all relevant finite element matrices are obtained by means of the definition of a local co‐ordinate system, based on the shell principal curvature directions, for the evaluation of strains and stresses. A series of examples of nonlinear analysis of shell and plate structures is given.

Abstract

A geometrically nonlinear finite element formulation based on a total Lagrangian approach for axisymmetric shells, arches and frames has been presented. The formulation allows for large displacement-large rotations of the structure. Shear deformation effects have also been taken into account. It has been shown how the formulation can be presented in a unified manner to treat simultaneously the three types of structures.

Abstract

A corotational mixed flat shell element for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of laminated composite structures is presented. The stress interpolation is derived from the linear elastic solution for symmetric composite materials.Displacement and rotation fields are only assumed along the contour of the element. As such, all the operators are efficiently obtained through analytical contour integration. The geometrical nonlinearity is introduced by means of a corotational formulation. The proposed finite element, named MISS-4c, proves to be locking free and shows no rank defectiveness. A multimodal Koiter's algorithm is used to obtain the initial postbuckling response. Results show good accuracy and high convergence rate in the geometrically nonlinear analysis of composite shell structures.