ISSN:
0029-5981
Keywords:
Engineering
;
Engineering General
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Mathematics
,
Technology
Notes:
This paper presents a hierarchical three dimensional curved shell finite element formulation based on the p-approximation concept. The element displacement approximation can be of arbitrary and different polynomial orders in the plane of the shell (ξ, η) and the transverse direction (ξ). The curved shell element approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variables are derived by first constructing the approximation functions of orders pξ, pη and pξ and the corresponding nodal variable operators for each of the three directions ξ, η and ξ and then taking their products (sometimes also known as tensor product). This procedure gives the approximation functions and the corresponding nodal variables corresponding to the polynomial orders pξ, pη and pξ. Both the element displacement functions and the nodal variables are hierarchical; therefore, the resulting element matrices and the equivalent nodal load vectors are hierarchical also, i.e. the element properties corresponding to the polynomial orders pξ, pη and pξ are a subset of those corresponding to the orders (pξ + 1), (pη +1) and (pξ +1). The formulation guarantees C° continuity or smoothness of the displacement field across the interelement boundaries.The geometry of the element is described by the co-ordinates of the nodes on its middle surface (ξ = 0) and the nodal vectors describing its bottom (ξ = -1) and top (ξ = +1) surfaces. The element properties are derived using the principle of virtual work and the hierarchical element approximation. The formulation is equally effective for very thin as well as very thick plates and curved shells. In fact, in many three dimensional applications the element can be used to replace the hierarchical three dimensional solid element without loss of accuracy but significant gain in modelling convenience. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency and overall superiority of the present formulation. The results obtained from the present formulation are compared with those available in the literature as well as analytical solutions.
Additional Material:
13 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nme.1620310403
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