Assumed-strain solid-shell formulation for the six-node finite element SHB6: evaluation on non-linear benchmark problems

The current contribution proposes a six-node prismatic solid-shell denoted as (SHB6). The formulation is extended to geometric and material non-linearities, and focus will be placed on its validation on non-linear benchmark problems. The resulting derivation only involves displacement DOF, as it is based on a fully 3D approach. The motivation behind this is to allow a natural mesh connexion in problems where both structural and continuum elements need to be used. Another major interest is to complement meshes that use hexahedral finite element, especially when free mesh generation tools are employed. The assumed-strain method is combined with an in-plane one-point quadrature scheme in order to reduce both locking phenomena and computational cost. A careful analysis of possible stiffness matrix rank deficiencies shows that this reduced integration does not induce hourglass modes.