Abstract

A new plate triangle based on Reissner-Mindlin plate theory is proposed. The element has a standard linear deflection field and an incompatible linear rotation field expressed in terms of the mid-side rotations. Locking is avoided by introducing an assumed linear shear strain field based on the tangential shear strains at the mid-sides. The element is free of spurious modes, satisfies the patch test and behaves correctly for thick and thin plate and shell situations. The element degenerates in a explicit manner to a simple DK form.

Abstract

The paper describes how finite element method and the finite volume method can be successfully combined to derive two new families of thin plate and shell triangles with translational degrees of freedom as the only nodal variable. The simplest element of the two families based on combining a linear interpolation of displacements with cell centered and cell vertex finite volume schemes are presented in detail. Examples of the good performance of the new rotation-free plate and shell triangles are given.

Abstract

A new three node shell triangular element with translational degree of freedom as the only nodal variables is presented. The element formulation is based on combining a standard linear finite element interpolation with a cell centered finite volume scheme. Details of the implementation of the element in an explicit dynamic code operating in parallel on networks of PC's are presented. The efficiency and applicability of the new rotation free shell triange is shown in the solution of some contact/impact and crash worthiness problem.