A continuum based three-dimensional shell element for laminated structures

Abstract In this paper a continuum based three-dimensional shell element for the nonlinear analysis of laminated shell structures is derived. The basis of the present finite element formulation is the standard eight-node brick element with tri-linear shape functions. Especially for thin structures under certain loading cases, the displacement based element is too stiff and tends to lock. Therefore we use assumed natural strain and enhanced assumed strain methods to improve the relatively poor element behaviour. The anisotropic material behaviour of layered shells is modeled using a linear elastic orthotropic material law in each layer. Linear and nonlinear examples show the applicability and effectivity of the element formulation.

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