Shell analysis with a combination of eight node and nine node finite elements

Abstract A nine node shell element based on the assumed displacement formulation and an eight node shell element based on a modified version of the Hellinger-Reissner principle with assumed linear transverse shear strain are combined in a ‘checkerboard’ pattern in order to eliminate locking while suppressing adverse kinematic modes. Simple 2 × 2 × 2 point integration is used in both types of elements. This concept is tested with linear thin plate and shell problems. The results of this analysis are compared with the classical thin plate theory and other reference solutions. The combined element mesh shows excellent performance in all tests considered.