Line node and transitional shell element for rotational shells

A transitional shell finite element which is useful for the analysis of shells of revolution with local deviations is developed. For the analysis of such a structure, rotational shell elements may be used in the axisymmetric portion of the shell, while general shell elements are needed in the region where deviations create a local non-axisymmetry. The transitional shell element connects these two different types of elements. To facilitate the transition, a line node, which can accommodate any type of shape function, is developed. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the new element.