Our discrete-Kirchhoff and isoparametric shell elements for nonlinear analysis—An assessment

The theory and use of two effective shell elements are briefly surveyed, assessed and compared. The elements considered are our high-order (degenerate) isoparametric shell element and our simple flat triangular element, which both can be employed for analysis of large displacement/large rotation and plastic response of general shell structures. Specific emphasis is placed on the theoretical differences between the elements and some resulting practical consequences.