A simple finite rotation formulation for composite shell elements

Abstract

In this paper we derive a simple finite element formulation for geometrical nonlinear shell structures. The formulation bases on a direct introduction of the isoparametric finite element formulation into the shell equations. The element allows the occurrence of finite rotations which are described by two independent angles. A layerwise linear elastic material model for composites has been chosen. A consistent linearization of all equations has been derived for the application of a pure Newton method in the nonlinear solution process. Thus a quadratic convergence behaviour can be achieved in the vicinity of the solution point. Examples show the applicability and effectivity of the developed element.

Citation

Wagner, W. and Gruttmann, F. (1994), "A simple finite rotation formulation for composite shell elements", Engineering Computations, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 145-176. https://doi.org/10.1108/02644409410799209