Geometric nonlinear analysis by using refined triangular thin plate element and free form membrane locking

Based on a large deformation variational principle with relaxed interelement continuity requirement in the total Lagranginan description, a refined triangular thin plate element for geometric nonlinear analysis has been developed. By introducing special element displacement functions into the geometric stiffness matrix, the membrane locking phenomenon is relieved effectively. The numerical results are presented to show that the present element possesses higher accuracy and an ability to free form membrane locking. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.