Large deformation finite element analysis of shell structures

Abstract EN

A Finite element formulation is presented for conducting large deformation analysis of shells.

The element adopted herein is a degenerated three-dimensional 8-nodes isoparametric finite element.

Derivations of the nonlinear geometric element stiffness matrices were made on the basis of total lagrangian formulation by using both geometric strains (Engineering Strains) and Green's stains.

The formulations were implemented into a nonlinear finite element program.

The nonlinear equilibrium equations are solved by combined incremental load and Newton-Raphson method.

Examples are presented for the analysis of cylindrical shells.

Agreement with existing solutions is generally good