Generalized conforming triangular membrane element with vertex rigid rotational freedoms

Abstract A simple formulation of two triangular membrane elements is implemented similar to that of the generalized conforming plate bending element. The triangle has nine degrees of freedom, namely, six translations and three rigid rotations at the vertexes. As being the generalized conforming elements, they pass the patch test for arbitrary geometry, therefore the convergence to exact solution with consistent mesh refinement may be assured. Numerical results of test problems reveal that the performance of the present elements is desirable.