ON A THIN SHELL ELEMENT FOR NONLINEAR-ANALYSIS, BASED ON THE ISOPARAMETRIC CONCEPT

This paper discusses a finite element method model for the large displacement, moderate strain analysis of thin shells. The model is based on an 'adapted' reference configuration for a displaced element, separating the displacements into ridig body displacements and strain-producing deformations. A strategy is developed, making use of the isoparametric concept for both the choice of reference configuration and in the element formulation. This makes the use of arbitrarily shaped elements possible. The model is shown to give accurate results for a range of relevant problems. Some problems in the general application of this type of model are discussed.