Abstract

A simple finite element triangle for thin shell analysis is presented. It has only nine translational degrees of freedom and is based on a total Lagrangian formulation. Large strain plasticity is considered using a logarithmic strain–stress pair. A plane stress isotropic behaviour with an additive decomposition of elastic and plastic strains is assumed. A hyperelastic law is considered for the elastic part while for the plastic part a von Mises yield function with non‐linear isotropic hardening is adopted. The element is an extension of a previous similar rotation‐free triangle element based upon an updated Lagrangian formulation with hypoelastic constitutive law. The element termed BST (for basic shell triangle) has been implemented in an explicit (hydro‐) code adequate to simulate sheet‐stamping processes and in an implicit static/dynamic code. Several examples are shown to assess the performance of the present formulation.

Abstract

This paper shows applications of a recently developed shell element to the analysis of thin shell and membrane structures. The element is a three node triangle with only translational DOFs (rotation free) that uses the configuration of the three adjacent elements to evaluate the strains. This allows to compute (constant) bending strains and (linear) membrane strains. A total Lagrangian formulation is used. Strains are defined in terms of the principal stretches. This allows to consider rubber materials and other type of materials using the Hencky stress-strain pair. An explicit central difference scheme is used to integrate the momentum equations. Several examples, including inflation and deflation of membranes show the excellent convergence properties and robustness of the element for large strain analysis of thin shells and membranes.