A Simple Geometrically Exact Finite Element for Thin Shells

Resumo

In this Article, we present a shell finite element, with 6 nodes, and a special non-conforming rotational field constructed from an incremental scalar rotation variable and displacement field. This approach eliminates the need for any numerical techniques such as penalties or Lagrange multipliers to address C1 continuity, a kinematic requirement for Kirchhoff-Love shell theory. The quadratic displacement field of the mid-plane is represented by the standard degree-of-freedom at the element’s 6 nodes. The element has been tested under very different simulations scenarios ans has proved to be a reliable element for simulation of thin shells even for large displacements, rotations and strains.