A family of conforming finite elements for deep shell analysis

Published in Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng. Vol. 18(3), pp. 363-380, 1982
doi: 10.1002/nme.1620180305

Abstract

The problem related to the derivation of conforming deep shell finite elements is examined in the light of the thin shell theory and using the classical Loves strain energy formulation. A family of quadrangular finite elements allowing for variable curvature is developed. It is shown how an exact conformity of the displacements can be ensured in a large number of cases.

Various static and dynamic applications are used to illustrate the advantages of these elements.