1

the displacements prescribed for `in-plane' forces do not aect the bending de-

element. In the combined element subject to membrane and bending actions,

at shell element as combination of a plane stress element and a plate bending

Coupling occurs only on the interelement boundary. Therefore, we consider a

and bending strain are not coupled in the energy expression within the elements.

In small displacement models of at shell elements, the eects of membrane

13 in 27 .

results can be obtained with the at shell element Chapter 3 in 26 and Chapter

by Ciarlet 8 . Numerical experiments have subsequently shown that excellent

behavior occurs. The mathematics of convergence was rst discussed in 1977

elements. As the size of the at elements decreases, convergence of the element

an arbitrary curved shape are modeled as an assembly of small-size at shell

at least in part, and these can be simply reproduced. Shell structures with

degrees of freedom. Many engineering structures are composed of at surfaces

displacement each node is modeled with three displacement and three rotation

at shell nite element that incorporates membrane and bending components of

This thesis describes the formulation and testing of a four node quadrilateral

Introduction

CHAPTER

, parallel to the plane of the plate at each node. And then, the membrane

and

state of strain is uniquely described in terms of the u and v displacements at

with plate bending element 26, 27 , we know that for plane stress actions, the

In classical formulations of at shell element that combine plane stress element

1.2 Classical Flat Shell Element

nite element are presented in Chapter 4.

assumptions of at shell nite elements. Numerical experiments with the shell

with drilling degree of freedom, and a bending component based upon Kirchho

Chapters 2 and 3 will describe details of a membrane element formulated

Section 1.2.

may be used to consist in at shell elements by regular method described in

is introduced. As the part of plane membrane action, this membrane component

component including the vertex rotation perpendicular to the plane of the plate

i.e. the shell nite element is modeled with three

nodal displacement parameters, u, v and w, and two rotation parameters,

without a normal rotation

Sections 1.2 and 1.3 describe the classical formulation of at shell elements

component of the at shell element.

element. Background material is provided for development of the membrane

for at shell nite elements that combine plane stress element with plate bending

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce and describe analytical formulations

1.1 Objectives and Scope

formations, and vice versa.

ui , (Ui)
v i , (Vi)

yi , (My i)

xi ,(Mx i)

b). Bending Actions and Deformations

wi , (Wi)

a). Plane Membrane Actions and Deformations

and z for clockwise rotations about the x, y and z axes.

f f p g = K p
f q p g

1.2.1

stiness matrix K p
, nodal forces ff pg, and element displacement fqpg, where

By minimizing total potential energy, the classical formulation leads to a

x , y

displacements perpendicular to the plane of the shell element, and the variables

in-plane displacements along the x and y axes respectively, the variable w for

right-handed coordinate frame is employed. We use the variables u and v for

Figure 1.1: A at shell element subject to plane membrane and bending action.

z i ,(M z i )

each typical node i. These modeling assumptions are shown in Figure 1.1. A

9


=
and



8


 Ui
p
ffi g = 
 Vi
:
9


=
, for i = 1 2 3 4.




9




=
and






8


Wi



ffib g = Mxi




: Myi

9




=
 , for i = 1 2 3 4.





1.2.2

fqi g

fui  vi  wi  xi  yi  zi gT

combined nodal displacements are now given by

inserting zeros at appropriate positions in the element stiness matrices. The

this rotation parameter into account by introducing a ctitious couple Mz , and

of deformations as a parameter of nodes in membrane mode. Instead, we take

to the surface of the at shell, given by z , is not included in the denition

element. Notice that in the classical formulation, the rotation of the normal

The superscript `b' is introduced to denote bending deformation of the shell

8


wi



where fqibg =  xi



: yi

ff b g = K b
fq b g

rotations x and y . The result is bending stiness matrices of the type

given uniquely by the nodal displacements in the z direction, w, and the two

element. Similarly, when bending action is considered, the state of strain is

Here we use the superscript `p' to denote in-plane deformation of the shell

8


 ui
p
with fqi g = 
 vi
:

qip  qib  zigT 

fip  fib  MzigT 

1.2.4

1.2.3

shows what will happen in the mathematical model. The column will displace

freedom perpendicular to the plane of the oor. As such, the column torsional

propriate because the

nite element model does not have a rotational degree of

shell element i.e.

ve degrees of freedom per node for this application is inap-

columns rotate about their axis by the same amount. Use of the abovementioned

the oor slab rotates due to external loadings, compatibility requires that the

approach to modeling to develop membrane components of rectangular and

1.2.6

ing structure, the columns will be

rmly attached to the oor slabs. Hence, if

area where oor slabs in a building are supported by columns. In the real build-

stiness cannot be connected to the shell element stiness 10, 11 . Figure 1.3

0 0 0

0 0

0
0

Krsb

0 0 0
0

0 0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

Krsp

membrane elements are excessively sti. Figure 1.2 shows a second application

lar shear-loaded cantilever beam. The numerical experiments reveal that these

experiment is the computation of in-plane bending behavior for a thin rectangu-

conducted to assess the performance of these membrane elements  one such

quadrilateral at shell elements, respectively. Numerical experiments have been

Figure 1.2: Slabs and columns building.

Felippa 6 reports that Turner et al. 25 and Taig 21 have used this

2
66
66
66
66
66
6
Krs = 666
66
66
66
66
64
3
77
77
77
77
77
77
77
77
77
77
77
75

where subscripts r represents row

number and s does column number of submatrices.

with K p = Krsp and K b = Krsb ,

ff g = K fq g

1.2.5

qip , qib , fip  and fib  are de

ned as equations 1.2.1 and

= fUi Vi Wi Mxi Myi MzigT

1.2.2. For a at shell element we write

where

ffi g

and the appropriate general forces as

Elevation

zi

direction equations of

0
Kz

at points where the elements are

zi

= 0 in the local coordinates. A perfectly well-behaved global

zi

does not a
ect

by Allman 1, who introduced the concept of the `vertex rotation',

Cook 9 who gave a geometrical interpolation of the vertex rotation, w, in

8

directions di
er, and a transformation is accomplished, then the global sti
ness

matrix is singular. Detection of this singularity is dicult. There are two simple
7

and

normal to the element plane are added. Progress in this direction was rst made

modeling information. If, on the other hand, the local and global coordinate

!,

The diculties described in Section 1.1 vanish when nodal rotational parameters

1.3 Compatible Membrane Element Including Vertex Rotations

6.

to the plane of the element. These are the so-called drilling degree of freedom

by using higher-order displacement nodes linked with corner rotations normal

The aforementioned modeling and programming diculties can be avoided

a decision on the coplanar nature of the shell elements is necessary.

the results. Both of these approaches lead to implementation diculties because

non-zero value of Kz can be inserted as an external sti

ness without a
ecting

the stresses, and indeed, is uncoupled from all others equilibrium equations, any

all displacements, now including zi, can be calculated. Since

sti
ness matrix is achieved after a local-to-global coordinate transformation, and

equation Kz

The second procedure leads to the replacement of equation 0 = 0 by an

coplanar only.

b Inserting an arbitrary coecient

are coplanar in local coordinates and deleting the equation 0 = 0.

a Assembling the sti

ness matrices of elements at points where the elements

procedures for solving this problem:

the equilibrium equations reduce to 0 = 0, a true but useless component of

coordinate directions of these elements happens to coincide with the global ones,

of straight boundaries of cylindrical shaped shells 26, 27, 10. When the local

Two applications are modeling of at or folded shell segments, and modeling

elements occur when elements meeting at a node are coplanar or nearly coplanar.

the at shell elements do not include rotational parameter with this class of

Programming diculties i.e. zero sti

ness in the

Figure 1.3: Finite element model of simple table using shell element having only
ve degree of freedom per node.

Plan

Incompatible
Rotation

Displaced Structure

the formulation of shell nite elements having six degrees of freedom per node.

as the shell. This problem of incompatible displacements can be overcome with

in the translational degrees of freedom, but may not rotate by the same amount

un 1

u t2

u n2

-21 (1 - 2)

Figure 1.4: Displacement of an element side "1", "2".

u t1

- -21 ( 1 - 2 )

ut
t

= 1 , sl u 1 + sl u 2

n12

1.3.2

1.3.1


n

= u 2 , u 1 =l. Dierentiating

is hierarchical displacement relative to the 4-node interpolation

= 1 , s u 1 + s u 2 + 4 s 1 , s u

values. From Figure 1.4 we observe that

n12

where u

un

and the edge-normal displacement u is interpolated quadratically, as

displacement u is interpolated linearly in the edge-tangent coordinate s, as

l
un12 =--(
1- 2)

Consider a element side of length l, as shown in Figure 1.4. The edge-tangent

relation to the mid-side node transverse displacement of quadratic elements.

n

n12

n12

= , u 1 + u 2 + 4 1 , 2s u
l
l
l
l
4
2
s
=  + 1 , u

1.3.4

1.3.3

Also, we get

therefore

@s

@un

= , l !1 , !2
8

n12

10

j0 ,  = , 12 !1 , !2

n12

n12

, !2 = , 8l u

u

!1

@un

n12

j0 =  + 4l u
4
j
=
 , u
@s
l

@s

@un

1.3.8

1.3.7

1.3.6

1.3.5

where !1 and !2 are the vertex rotations at nodes 1 and 2, respectively. Since

@u
,!2 + !1 = @u
j
,
j0
@s
@s

According to Allman 1, 10, the denition of the vertex rotation, !, is

@s

@un

equations 1.3.2 gives

= 12 !1 , !2 
1.3.9

and v, in terms of

1.3.10

i.e. equation 1.3.1 and coordinate transformations of directions between

is the angle between the outward normal

1.3.12

1.3.11

11

direction to the element side and the x-axis. We can use a similar technique to

9
=
 


3 8 9
77  u =
75   
: v 

8 9 2
3 8
 
 u = 66 C ,S 77  u
75
:  = 64

v
S C : u

9 2
= 6 C
6
 = 64

,S

where C = cos  and S = sin .

and

8

u

:u

is shown in Figure 1.5. The transformation matrices are

the systems x-y and n-t. A schematic of the required coordinate transformation

ut

quantities, u and v , and one vertex rotation quantity, !  are obtained through

the nodal parameters along the edge of the element i.e. two nodal translation

= 1 , sl u 1 + sl u 2 , 2s 1 , sl !1 , !2

Expressions for displacements at the element boundary,

un

respectively. Now we can rewrite the interpolation of u as

where !1 and !2 are the so-called vertex rotation parameters at nodes 1 and 2,

@un
jl , 
@s
t

un
u

= vu  v  ! 

u = uui  vi  !i

1.3.13

With the coordinate transformation in plane, we can now write the quadratic

and ! , the Cartesian components of nodal parameters.

u=

i=1

8
X

12

Ni   ui

nodal and mid-side displacement parameters. They are:

1.3.14

displacement interpolation elds inside the entire element, u and v, in terms of

vi

where u and v are the Cartesian components of boundary displacements and u ,

and ! , along other all edges of elements at the boundary,

obtain boundary displacements u and v in terms of the nodal parameters u , v

i

Figure 1.5: Coordinate transformation of directions between systems x-y and

n-t.

ut

i=1

X
v = Ni vi
1.3.15

i = 6 8

Ni = 12 1 , 21 + i 

i = 1  2  3 4 

m n = 8 5 5 6 6 7 7 8

Ni = 41 1 + i 1 + i  , 12 Nm , 12 Nn

i = 5 7

Ni = 12 1 ,  21 + i

1.3.16

13

The element is compatible because of the quadratic interpolation with ver-

placement values, equation 1.3.14 and 1.3.15.

into the quadratic interpolation elds of the entire element with mid-side dis-

vi i = 5 6 7 8 in terms of the nodal parameters, ui, vi and !i i = 1 2 3 4

1.3.13, which are the expressions of mid-side displacement parameters, ui and

ing the expressions for u and v interpolations in the boundaries, i.e. equations

scribed in terms of all nodal parameters, ui, vi and !i i = 1 2 3 4 by substitut-

displacement interpolation elds u and v within the entire element may be de-

as i = 5 6 7 8 are mid-side displacement parameters. Finally, the quadratic

ui and vi as i = 1 2 3 4 are nodal displacement parameters, and ui and vi

functions are

Ni  are shape functions of the 8-node Serendipity element 26. The shape

In equations 1.3.14 and 1.3.15,  and  are parametric coordinates 27, and

and

10, 16.

14

so-called the drilling degree of freedom at nodes, as nodal rotational parameters

For this reason, it is concluded that a better way is to use the true rotations,

is not equal to the true rotations at nodes, even though it can be related to it.

element based on the ! connector will have a defect. The new nodal connector

tex rotations parameters !1 and !2 in the boundary. In general, however, the

16

experiments, and show that these elements exhibit excellent accuracy.

used strain-assumptions to develop a class of non-conforming elements, which

15

mulation are presented in Chapter 3. In Chapter 4 we will conduct numerical

gree of freedom. The rst approach was rst reported by Sabir in 1985 20 . He

an independent rotation eld to achieve quadrilateral at shell elements that

displacements is shown in Figure 2.1.

incorporate bending with a high order of accuracy. Details of theoretical for-

tially suggested by Hughes and Brezzi 11, 12 . The latter approach employs

A schematic of the angle bisector and associated partial derivatives in element

This chapter discusses two approaches for producing the so-called drilling de-

by Ibrahimbegovic et al. in 1990 14 , adopts a variational formulation, ini-

of the vertex bisecting the angle between adjacent edges of the nite element.

In fact, numerical experiments indicate that only rectangular elements are well

unfortunately suer from geometrical restrictions and zero energy modes 10 .
behaved, and provide accurate results 10 . The second approach, as presented

2.0.1

, Nodal degree of freedom moved

, Undeformed Plate

v/ x

- u / y

Figure 2.1: Physical interpretation of the drilling degree of freedom.

The drilling degree of freedom may be physically interpreted as a true rotation

 = 1  @v , @u :
2 @x @y

drilling degree of freedom is dened as

Unlike the denition of the vertex rotation ! given in equation 1.3.4, the

approximations, see references 2, 3, 26, 27, 10, 20 and 16 .

in Section 1.2. For a summary of the literature on drilling degree of freedom

to a class of nite elements that performs better than those element mentioned

drilling degree of freedom. We demonstrate that this approach to modeling leads

In this chapter we derive a at shell nite element model that contains nodal

Membrane Part of Flat Shell Element

CHAPTER

2.1.1

2.1.2

and a3 represent rigid body displacements.

a2

17

left with nine constants to represent strain deformation in the element. These

used three of these in the representation of the rigid body movements, we are

then the shape functions should contain twelve independent constants. Having

| two translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom |

node quadrilateral nite elements. If each node has three degrees of freedom

Now let's consider the shape functions needed model displacements in a four

are the translational components, and a3 the inplane rotation. Together a1 ,

a2

Notice that equations 2.1.2 are described in terms of three components a1 and

8

 u = a1 , a3y

: v = a2 + a3 x

If "x = "y = "xy = 0, then the equations above can be integrated to obtain

8
 "x = @u=@x

 "y = @v=@y

: "xy = @u=@y + @v=@x

follows. From the strain-displacement relationship in-plane elasticity, I can write

with drilling degree of freedom, as dened in equation 2.0.1. A brief description

Based on the strain analysis, Sabir derived 20 a rectangular membrane element

2.1 Sabir's rectangular membrane element with drilling degree of

freedom based on the strain approach

2.1.3

"y
@x2

+@

"xy
@x@y

=@

2.1.4

8


"x = a4 + a5 y + a11 y 2 + 2a12 xy 3 



"y = a6 + a7 x + ,a11 x2 , 2a12 x3 y 




: "xy = a8 + a9 x + a10y + a5x + a7 y:

2.1.5

a7

and

a9

allow for linear

18

strain behavior. The higher order bracketed terms are added in such a way that

is rened. The terms containing the constants a5 ,

constant strain states. These state ensure convergence as the nite element grid

In equations 2.1.5, coecients a4 , a6 and a8 are the terms corresponding to

as

attempt to mitigate the problem, Sabir suggested interpolations for the strain

Unfortunately, this approach leads to a singular transformation matrix. In an

@ 2 "x
@y 2

the general compatibility equation for strain, namely:

We observe that, if the terms of equation 2.1.3 are dierentiated, they satisfy

"y = a7 + a8 x + a9 y




: "xy = a10 + a11 x + a12 y

8


"x = a4 + a5 x + a6 y




and "xy . As a rst-cut, we could assume that the three strain components

satisfy:

"y

nine constants are to be distributed among the three components of strain "x,

2.1.7

2.1.8

19

vxi yi and i = xi  yi with i = 1 2 3 4, into equation 2.1.6 and 2.1.8

Substituting the values of u, v and  at each nodes, i.e, ui = uxi yi, vi =

 = a3 , a25 x + a27 y + a29 x , a210 y , 2a11 xy , 3a12 x2 y2

2.1.6 i.e. expressions for u and v into equation 2.0.1,

The drilling degree of freedom, , formula is obtained by substituting equations

2
6 1 0 ,y x xy 0 0 y=2 0 y2=2 xy2 x2 y3
x = 664
0 1 x 0 0 y xy x=2 x2 =2 0 ,x2 y ,x3 y2
3
77
75

fug = u v T , fAg is the parameter matrix 

a1  a2 : : :  a12 T , and x is the function matrix.

where displacements

fug = xfAg

In matrix form, equation 2.1.6 may be written as

8

u = a1 , a3y + a4x + a8y=2 + asxy + a10 y2=2 + a11 xy2 + a12 x2 y3
2.1.6

: v = a2 + a3 y + a6 y + a8 x=2 + a7 xy + a9 x2 =2 , a11 x2 y , a12 x3 y2

rigid body displacements equations 2.1.2. The result is

for u and v are obtained by integrating equations 2.1.5, and then adding the

the compatibility equations 2.1.4 will be satised. Displacement expressions

1

= x
3

12

fAg

12

12

x = x T  x T  x T  x T T

12

1

0 0 1

0 1 xi

yi=2
0

yi =2

xi yi
2

,xi yi ,xi yi

xi yi

xi =2 ,yi=2 ,2xiyi ,3xi yi

yi xiyi xi =2 xi =2

0 ,xi =2 0 yi=2

xi yi

1 0 ,yi xi

A = x, fqg

where

20

N  = xx,

u = xA = xx, fqg = N fqg

Substituting equation 2.1.10 into equation 2.1.7 gives

singular, and its inverse x, can be calculated. So,

2.1.11

2.1.10

Unlike the naive approximation for displacements, the resulting matrix x is not

2
66
66
xi  = 66
66
4

2.1.9

is a 12  12 matrix de ned by submatrices xi with expressions given by

vector, and

fq g

where fq g = u  v    u  v    u  v    u  v   T is nodal parameter

gives,

3
77
77
77
77
5

21

an independent interpolation eld of rotation 14.

formulation with an Allman-type interpolation for the displacement eld with

of the displacement gradient. Taylor subsequently combined the variational

to enforce the equality of independent rotations with the skew-symmetric part

employs the skew-symmetric part of the stress tensor as a Lagrange multiplier

freedom. The variational formulation is due to Hughes and Brezzi 11, 12. It

formulation that includes an independent rotation eld for the drilling degree of

Flat shell nite elements may be formulated through the use of a variational

2.2 Independent Rotation Interpolation

problem are modeled with non-rectangular nite element meshes 20, 10.

accuracy of these nite elements is not satisfactory signicantly when the same

`close' to being rectangular. Unfortunately, Frey also reports 10 that numerical

10 report good numerical performance with quadrilateral elements that are

on the assumption of the strain states is non-conforming, Sabir 20 and Frey

Even though this membrane component with drilling degree of freedom based

of the strain eld within the entire element.

the interpolations of displacements, equation 2.1.7, is given by the assumption

element formulations, if a inverse of parameter matrix x exists when the form of

of this kind can be derived by the regular progress of development of nite

is the matrix of shape functions. Observe that all formulations of nite elements

2.2.3
2.2.4

 = skew r u

symm  = C symm  u
r

2.2.2

skew  = 0

2.2.1

div  + f = 0

2.2.7

2.2.6

2.2.5

22

Z
 u   = 1 symmr u  C  symmr ud
2 Z
Z
+ 12  jskewr u ,  j2d , u  fd

described as

2.2.8

The variational formulation suggested by Hughes and Brezzi 11, 14, can be

 = symm  + skew 
symm  = 12  + T 
skew  = 21  T 

gradient, and equation 2.2.4, the constitutive equation. Also, we have

conditions for stress, 2.2.3 the denition of rotation in terms of displacement

In this family of equations, 2.2.1 represents equilibrium, 2.2.2 the symmetry

The basic equations are:

Consider the elastic boundary value problem for a body described by region .

2.2.1 Outline of the Variational Formulation

symm
u C symm
ud

u fd

+  skew
r u ,  T skew
r u , d

0 = D
u 
u  

2.2.9

i=1

4
X

Ni
 i

23

Ni
  = 14
1 + i 
1 + i

=

i = 1 2 3 4

2.2.10

pendent drilling rotation eld is interpolated as a standard bilinear eld, i.e,

where n34 is a outward normal direction to the element side 3 , 4. The inde-

quadrilateral element with drilling degree of freedom, as shown in Figure 2.2,

independent rotation eld over the entire element 14. Consider a 4-node

the Allman-type interpolation for displacement eld and the standard bilinear

The shell nite element with drilling degree of freedom is derived by combining

2.2.2 Membrane element with drilling degree of freedom

formulation is

the external general forces, and  is a penalty. The corresponding variational

where u and  are trial displacements and rotations on the region , f is

34
3

where,

ij

24

2.2.14

lij =
x2ij + yij2  21
Cij = cos ij = yl ij
ij
Sij = sin ij = xl ij

2.2.16

2.2.15

2.2.13
,

yij = yj yi

9
=

2.2.11


2.2.12
,

9
8


8
= X
 Cij
lij
   
+
N




k
j
i 

8
 k=5
: Sij


xij = xj xi

4
X

8

 ui
=
Ni
  
i=1
 vi
:

8 9



u
=
u =  

:v


The Allman-type interpolation for in-plane displacement 4, 1 is

Figure 2.2: A quadrilateral element with drilling degree of freedom.

n34

k = 6 8

Nk   = 12 1 + k  1 , 2

i=1

Biui + Gi i

4
X

2.2.18

2.2.17

8
9
 @Ni =@x 0 

=
Bi =  0
@Ni =@y 


: @N =@y @N =@x 
i
i

25

2.2.19

9

=
 is the nodal translation parameters, and i is the nodal


drilling degree parameter.

8

 ui
where ui = 
: vi

8
9



@u=@x




=
symmr u = 
@v=@y



: @u=@y + @v=@x 



We further dene the matrix notation

k = 5 7

i j = 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 1

Nk   = 12 1 ,  2 1 + k 

k = 5 6 7  8

1 l S @Nl , l S @Nm , N
+ 16
ij ij
i
@x ik ik @x

1 l C @Nl , l C @Nm
gi = , 16
ij ij
@y ik ik @y

biui + gii



1
@N
1
@N
i
i
bi = , 2 @y  2 @x

i=1

4
X

26

qi = fui vi igT

q = fq1  q2 q3  q4gT

If we dene nodal parameter vector q as

where,

skewr u ,  =

k = 2 3 4 1 and j = 4 1 2 3. Furthermore, we denote

2.2.24

2.2.23

2.2.22

2.2.21

When parameter i takes the values 1 2 3 4, m = 5 6 7 8, l = 8 5 6 7,

2.2.20

9
8


lij Cij @Nl =@x , lik Cik @Nm =@x



Gi = 1 
lij Sij @Nl =@y , lik Sik @Nm =@y
8


: lij Cij @Nl =@y , lik Cik @Nm =@y + lij Sij @Nl =@x , lik Sik @Nm =@x 

 G

 B

The penalty parameter appearing in the second term of equation 2.2.9 is

 b

 b

27

term in the variational equations 2.2.9 including penalty as the modica-

of magnitude which bound the shear modulus

14. So, we can take the second

the formulation is insensitive to the value of used at least for several orders

modulus value
12. Numerical studies performed by Taylor have shown that

` '. For isotropic elasticity, it is suggested that may be taken as the shear

role in the equilibrium condition

11. The latter is controlled by the penalty

g g

, with

is nal element membrane stiness matrix with the drilling

m  =
K  +
P 

28

where
 and
 are given in equations 2.2.25 and 2.2.26.

degree of freedom. The latter is expressed as

m 
q  =
f 

rium and the stiness matrix in equation 2.2.25 is the regular element stiness

symmetric stresses will not be identically zero in general, and thus will play a

2.2.26

where
 is general external forces,
 is nodal parameter vector, dened as

2.2.24, and

matrix without the modication term. In the discrete case, however, skew-

 b

b d

dened as in equations 2.2.22 and 2.2.23. Hence, the matrix

T 
 

is the penalty,
 = f
1 
2 
3
4 g, and
i  = f
i 

zero. It follows that the rst term in the equations 2.2.9 expresses equilib-

tions 2.2.9 is set to zero | this asserts that the skew-symmetric stresses are

problem dependent
11. For instance, suppose that the second term in equa-

counterpart of variational equation 2.2.9 for one element is

i  and

produces modicational term

i  = f
i
ig

 B

2.2.25

where,

 B

B d

From equations 2.2.9 and 2.2.21, the second term in equation 2.2.9

 = f
1
2 
3
4 g

i and
i are as dened in equations 2.2.19 and 2.2.20.

where
 is the constitutive matrix and

 =
T

 

utilizing independent rotation interpolation eld within the element.

for the drilling degree of freedom

matrix,

tion of the regular element stiness matrix

The rst term in the variational equations 2.2.9 produces the element stiness

Ube = 12

Ae

T Db dAe

Xn Ube

3.0.1

29

Here, Ube is the element strain energy due to bending. Ae is the element area.

with

U=

shear strain energy thin plate. In other words:

on the discretization of the strain energy. The model neglects the transverse

using the discrete Kirchho technique. The DKQ element formulation is based

discrete Kirchho quadrilateral DKQ plate element, and is derived in detail

The plate bending component of the shell element corresponds to the 12 DOF

Plate-Bending Part of Flat Shell Element

CHAPTER

1 ,  

0 0
1
2

 1

1 

3
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
5

3.0.2

,2@ 2 w=@x@y

,@ 2 w=@y2

,@ w=@x

9








=










3.0.3

3.1.2

y = , @w
@x = ,x
30

3.1.1

x = @w
@y = y

y and y -z planes. By denition, x and y are given by

scribes the rotations of the normal to the undeformed middle surface in the x -

an interpolation for the independent nodal rotation elds x and y that de-

To avoid the diculty of interpolation of required C 1 continuity, we rst assume

3.1 Independent Rotation Interpolation

where w is transverse displacement.

 =







:

spectively. The curvature is given by

where E ,  and h are the Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and thickness, re-

Db  =

2
6
6
3
Eh 666
121 ,  2  666
4

For a homogeneous isotropic plate Db is given by

for

node3
(x3 , y 3)

j,

@w=@s

w
x
y

i j

23

@n

j+
@n

@w
j

j = 12 

!
ni

+
nj

j,

@w=@n

@w=@n

a1

a2 s

a3 s

31

a4 s

n23

3.1.4

3.1.3

at mid-side of

w
node2 x
(x2 ,y 2 )
y

= 1 2
2 3
3 4
4 1

at mid-side of each side, we can assume

j = 12

@w=@s

@n

@w

@w

= 5 6 7 8, respectively. Therefore, for

each side, we can write:

when

Figure 3.1: 8-node plate bending element.

node1
(x1 , y 1) x
y

node4 w
(x 4, y 4) x
y

3.1. In this derivation, variables and are dened as

with a cubic displacement interpolation along the element sides, shown in Figure

tion components perpendicular to the element sides are assumed to be consistent

sides are eliminated by averaging the corresponding corner nodes values. Rota-

At the middle point of element side, the rotation components along the element

@s

@w

=
a2

+2
a3 s

+3
a4 s

So, we can determine

Generally, we assign

lij

lij

@s

@w

lij

1
4 = 2
a

= 0

+
+

a2 sj

@s

@w

@s

@w

32

xi

yj

yi

a4 sj

a4 sj

+
+3

2
a3 sj

a3 sj

j,
j+

@s

@w

xj

3
a4 si

a4 si

+3

a3 si

wj

lij

wi

lij

j +3 ,
wj

j ,2 ,

@s

@w

wi

=  , 2 +  , 2 1 2

a3 si

a2 si

j = 2+2

a1

1 ,2
3 =

a2

sj

si

@s

@w

wj

@s

a1

j = 2+2

@w

wi

Substituting the nodal values into equations 3.1.4 and 3.1.5

So,
3.1.5

@w j + @w j , 2 wj , wi :
@s i @s j
lij

3.1.6

9




=





3.1.8

3.1.7

pression

y =

x =
i

N i y

N i x

33

i=1

8
X

i=1

8
X

3.1.10

3.1.9

and dene interpolation elds of rotations as incomplete cubic polynomial ex-

8


,@x =@x



 = 
,@y =@y



: ,@x =@y , @y =@x

Obviously, from equations 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, we can have

= , 41 si + sj  + 32 wj l, wi
ij

@w j = , 1 @w j + @w j + 3 wj , wi
@s k
4 @s i @s j 2
lij

At the midpoint of the sides, sk = lij =2, the @w=@s expression can be obtained

ij

+ 3ls2

@w = @w j + 2s ,2 @w j , @w j + 3 wj , wi
@s
@s i lij
@s i @s j
lij

and from equations 3.1.5, I can write

i = 6 8

i = 5 7

m n = 8 5 5 6 6 7 7 8

Shape Function

2 At the middle nodes:

1 At the corner nodes:

34

@w j = 
@s k s

i = 1 2 3 4

x = @w
@y ji = y
y = , @w
@x ji = ,x

The following Kirchho assumptions are introduced

3.2

of the quadrilateral element with straight sides again, see Figure 3.1.

3.2.3

3.2.2

3.2.1

xi and yi are transitory nodal variables aected at the corner and middle-nodes

i = 1 2 3 4

Ni = 41 1 + i 1 + i  , 12 Nm , 12 Nn

Ni = 12 1 , 21 + i 

Ni = 12 1 ,  21 + i

are those of the 8-node Serendipity element 26.

The shape function Ni , where  and  are parametric coordinates 27,

3.2.4

is not dened in the interior of the element.

= x2ij + yij2 1=2 

= x nij 

= cosij = yij =lij 

lij

ij

Ck

yij

35

= xj , x i 

xij

From geometry we have

Sk

= sinij = ,xij =lij

= yj , yi

and @w=@n are compatible along the element sides.

4 The 12 degree of freedom DKQ elements are such that w, @w=@s, x , y

other words, the DKQ technique is appropriate for thin plates only.

length to thickness ratio since the transverse shear energy is neglected. In

3 Convergence towards the thin plates theory will be obtained for any element

quadratic expression along the element sides.

element because @w=@s and s linear combination of x and y  are both

2 The Kirchho assumptions are satised along the entire boundary of the

3.1.7.

the rotation components perpendicular to the element sides i.e. equation

nodal variables w appears through the cubic displacement interpolation for

1 w varies independently along the element sides. At the four corner nodes, the

We note that

= nk

k = 5 6 7 8

@w
jk
@n

38

77 
 x
75 

: y

9 2
38



 n
= 66 C ,S 77 
=
6
7



 4 S C 5
: s

9 2


= 66 C
=6


 4 ,S

and
yi

9


=




9


=




3.2.6

3.2.5

k = 5 6 7 8, to terms of the corner nodal variables,

ni

nj

xi

yi

= @w
j
@n
!
1
@w
@w
= 2 @n j + @n j
= 1 + 
2
= 1 C + S + C
2

xj

+S

yj

3.2.7

write
sk

36

ij

= @w j
@s
!
1
@w
@w
= ,
j
+ j + 3w ,w
4 @s
@s
2 l

Similarly, from equations 3.2.3 and 3.1.7, and transformation 3.2.5, we can

nk

i = 1 2 3 4. It follows from equations 3.2.4 and 3.1.3,

yk

and transformation 3.2.5 that

xi

mid-nodes, xk and

wi ,

8


 x


: y

8


 n


: s

We now derive an expression that connects the rotational variables at the

and

i j = 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 1

3.2.8

xk

yk

ij

ij

37

ij

a k = Ck S k = ,

3
3 xij yij
4
4 lij2
1
1
1
1
bk = Ck2 , Sk2 =  yij2 , x2ij =lij2
2
4
2
4
Sk
xij 2
ck =
=,l
l

= S k n + Ck s
= 3 Ck Sk x +  1 Sk2 , 1 Ck2 y + 3 Ck Sk
4
2
4
4
1
1
3
wj , wi
2
2
+ 2 Sk , 4 Ck  y + 2 Ck l

yj

= Ck n , Sk s
=  1 Ck2 , 1 Sk2 x + 3 Ck Sk y +  1 Ck2 , 1 Sk2
2
4
4
2
4
3
3
wj , w i
+ Ck Sk y , Sk
4
2
lij

Using 3.2.1 and 3.2.2, by dening

and

can write

xj

3.2.11

3.2.10

3.2.9

From above equations 3.2.7 and 3.2.8, and transformation 3.2.6, as well I

k = 5 6 7 8

= , 14  s + s  + 32 wj l, wi
ij
1
= , 4 ,Sk x + Ck y , Sk x + Ck y  + 32 wj l, wi
ij
ij

and

3.2.13

3.2.12

i=1

XN

i xi

into 3.1.9 and 3.1.10. This gives

38

are obtained by substituting 3.2.12 and 3.2.13 k = 5 6 7 8 i j = 1 2 2 3 3 4

3.2.14

of a general quadrilateral in terms

fq g = hw1  x1  y1  w2  x2  y2  w3  x3  y3  w4  x4  y4 iT

of the nal nodal variables,

=  21 Sk2 , 14 Ck2x , 34 Ck Sk y
+ 21 Sk2 , 14 Ck2x , 34 Ck Sk y + 32 Ck wj l, wi
ij
3
= dk x , ak y + dk x , ak y , 2 ek wj , wi

1
4

= 43 Ck Sk x ,  12 Ck2 , 14 Sk2y
+ 43 Ck Sk x ,  12 Ck2 , 14 Sk2y , 32 Sk wj l, wi
ij
3
= ak x , bk y + ak x , bk y , 2 ck wj , wi

Explicit expressions of the rotations

yk

xk

Now we can rewrite 3.2.9 and 3.2.10, as

ij

1
1
4
2
Ck
yij 2
ek = , = ,
l
l

1
2

dk = Sk2 , Ck2 =  x2ij , yij2 =lij2

y

Ni yi

i=1

i=1

i=1

Ni xi

Ni xi

Ni yi

k =5

k =5

X
X
+

= hH  ifqg

X
X
X

Nk xk

Nk dk xi

Nk yk

yi

yi

xj

xj

yj

yj

3.2.16

3.2.15

, b  + a  , b  , 32 c w , w 

, a  + d  , a  , 23 e w , w 

Nk ak xi

k =5

k =5

X
X
+

Ni yi

and

39

hH  i = hH1  H2  : : :  H12i 

hH  i = hH1  H2  : : :  H12i 

the shape functions are

3.2.18

3.2.17

where hH  i and hH  i are the shape functions. In component form,

and

i=1

i=1

X,
X
,

= hH  ifqg

with

= 23 c6 N6 , c5N5 
= a6 N6 + a5 N5 

H4x
H5x

= a8 N8 + a7N7 
= ,N4 , b8 N8 , b7 N7 

x
H12

= 23 c8 N8 , c7 N7

x
H10
x
H11

= ,N3 , b7 N7 , b6 N6 

= a7 N7 + a6 N6 

= c7 N7 , c6N6 
3
2

H9x

H8x

H7
x

= ,N2 , b6 N6 , b5 N5 

= ,N1 , b5 N5 , b8 N8 

H3x

H6x

= a5 N5 + a8 N8 

= 32 c5 N5 , c8N8 

H2x

H1x

40

H12

H11

H10

H9

H8

H7

H6

H5

H4

H3

H2

H1

= ,a8 N8 , a7 N7 = ,H11

= N4 + d8N8 + d7N7

= 32 e8N8 , e7N7 

= ,a7 N7 , a6 N6 = ,H8

= N3 + d7N7 + d6N6

= e7 N7 , e6 N6
3
2

= ,a6 N6 , a5 N5 = ,H5

= N2 + d6N6 + d5N5

= 32 e6 N6 , e5 N5

= ,a5 N5 , a8 N8 = ,H2

= N1 + d5N5 + d8N8

= 32 e5 N5 , e8 N8

3.2.19

41

ables. Bilinear functions are employed in conjunction with a reduced integration

the displacements and rotations of the shell mid-surface are independent vari-

sented in this thesis, Kanok-Nukulchai uses a degeneration concept, in which

approach suggested by Kanok-Nukulchai 18. Unlike the at shell element pre-

of freedom per node, and includes a drilling degree of freedom based on an

pared to a four node at shell element in ANSYS-5.0, which has six degrees

In case studies a-d, performance of the at shell nite element is com-

analysis.

drilling degree of freedom. Application b is a standard problem from plate

for analytical solutions to exist, and because they produce displacements in the

Applications a and c have been selected because they are simple enough

d Folded plate simply supported on two opposite sides.

c Cantilever I-shape cross section beam, and

b Square plate simply supported on four edges,

a Shear-loaded cantilever beam,

four numerical examples. They are:

Performance of the at shell nite elements is evaluated by working through

Numerical Examples

CHAPTER

12

16

8
6

22 4 4

12

12

10

20
6

10

12

42

Figure 4.1: Meshes of a short cantilever beam.

Irregular mesh
82

Irregular mesh
41

Regular mesh
41

P = 40
l = 48
h = 12

E = 30000
= 0.25

A shear-loaded cantilever beam, as shown in Figure 4.1, has been used as a test

4.1 Shear-loaded cantilever beam

element six degrees of freedom per node from SAP-90.

shell element. Application c is also computed using a quadrilateral at shell

for the transverse shear energy. The result is a so-called bilinear degenerated

P l3 4 + 5P l
3EI + 2Eh :

4.1.1

distorted meshes.

43

described herein gives reasonably accurate and rapidly convergent results with

racy than ANSYS-5.0. The numerical results also suggest that the shell element

irregularly shaped meshes, the present shell element provides much greater accu-

curate results than other shell

nite elements in the literature. For the same

regular meshes, the shell

nite element described in this thesis gives more ac-

The numerical results from this test problem indicate that, with the same

tational degree of freedom.

bilinear element is a rectangular constant strain element without any nodal ro-

the Allman element is a rectangular element with the vertex rotation and the

The Sabir element is a rectangular element with the drilling degree of freedom,

mary of numerical results, with the asterisk * denoting the irregular mesh.

the literature for the performance of other elements. Table 4.1 contains a sum-

are compared against the theoretical solution, and numerical results reported in

tion 4.1.1 gives w = 0:3553. The numerical results for this shell
nite element

Substituting the material and section properties selected in Figure 4.1 into equa-

w=

From elasticity 13, 23, the analytical solution for the tip displacement is

tion, and also for a irregular meshes of four and sixteen quadrilateral elements.

computed for a mesh of four square elements,

ner meshes constructed by bisec-

problem by many authors 2, 14, 20. In this study

nite element solutions are

44

wc = 0:00406

q0a4
D

center, wc , from the plate theory 7, 24 can be expressed as

4.2.1

forming loading, shown in Figure 4.2. The exact transverse displacement at the

Consider a square plate simply supported on all four edges subjected to a uni-

4.2.1 Uniform Loading over the Entire Plate

computed displacements are compared to analytical displacements.

and b a concentrated point load at the center of the plate. For each load case,

4.2. Two load cases are considered a a uniform loading over the entire plate,

Consider the square plate simply supported on four edges, as shown in Figure

4.2 Square Plate Simply Supported on Four Edges

Table 4.1: Comparison in some results of the tip displacement, w, for the short
cantilever beam.

Meshes
4 1 8 2 16 4 4 1 8 2
Present element
0:3445 0:3504 0:3543 0:3066 0:3455
Error to theoretical solution 3:039 1:379 0:282 13:707 2:758
ANSYS5.0
0:2424 0:3162 0:3449 0:2126 0:2996
Sabir 20
0:3281 0:3454 0:3527 |
|
Allman 2
0:3026 0:3394 0:3512 |
|
Bilinear element
0:2424 0:3162 0:3447 |
|

a = 10"

S.S.

S.S.
n=2

D=

12 1 , 2

Eh3

4.2.2

4
1:06405
0:000489
1:0492

Concentrated Loading at the Center

46

45

4.2.3

square plate, and D is as described in equation 4.2.2

. Substituting the values

P a2
D

quarter of the plate is taken for numerical computation. Regular meshes on the

wc = 0:0115999

center, wc, from the plate theory 7, 24, can be expressed as

30000bl at the center. The theoretical exact transverse displacement at the

Similarly, consider the square plate subjected to a concentrated loading, P =

4.2.2

where P is the concentrated loading at the center, a is the length of edge of the

wc = 1:064045

105

10,1 in
:

D = 1:1446886

2
1:06027
0:355
1:0044

Table 4.2: The transverse displacements at the center of the square plate simply
supported on 4 edges under uniform load over the entire plate with dierent
meshes and the comparations with the exact theoretical solution.

Meshes N
Displacements wc 10,1

Error to theoretical solution

ANSYS5.0 wc 10,1

ANSYS-5.0.

are closer to the theoretical solution than predicted by the shell element from

in Table 4.2. Once again, the present element generates displacements that

center, wc, to the exact theoretical solution. A summary of results is provided

results are evaluated by comparing the transverse displacements of the plate

plate quarter with N = 2 and 4 See Figure 4.2

are considered. Numerical

Because the plate geometry is symmetric about x-axis and y-axis, only one

and

and 4.2.2
gives

Substituting the values of E , , h, q0 and a of this example into equations 4.2.1

and

where q0 is the uniforming loading, a is the length of edge of the square plate

Figure 4.2: Meshes of square plate simply supported on 4 edges.

a = 10"

= 0. 3
h = 0. 5"
q 0 = 300 psi

7
E = 10 psi

S.S.

S.S.

4
3:12850
2:908
3:0777

8
3:06664
0:873
3:0518

47

loads at the anges of the free end in opposite directions along y, as shown in

the top face, as shown in Figure 4.4. The third is under two level concentrated

4.3. Second, displacements are computed for a uniform load on the center line of

ments due to a concentrated load at the center of the free end, as shown in Figure

an I-shape cross section. Three load cases are considered. The rst is displace-

In the third example, displacements are computed for a cantilever beam having

4.3 Cantilever I-shape Cross Section Beam

Table 4.3: The transverse displacements at the center of the square plate simply
supported on 4 edges under concentrated point load at the center with dierent
meshes and the comparations with the exact theoretical solution.

2
3:32666
9:426
3:1574
z

y
N=2

h
x

48

3
PL
w = PL
+
3EI A G

bending theory with shear eect is expressed as

4.3.1

Figure 4.3: Cantilever I-beam under a concentrated load at the end.

h = 5"
P = 400 blf

E = 107 psi
= 0.3
t = 0.25"
L = 40"
b = 10"

The solution of the transverse displacement at the free end, w, from the beam

are compared with the exact theoretical solution in Table 4.3.

Meshes N
Displacements wc  10,1
Error to theoretical solution
ANSYS5.0 wc  10,1

loaded with point load P at the center of the free end shown in Figure 4.3.

displacements at the center wc computed by the elements described in this thesis

Displacements are computed for a cantilever beam with I-shape cross section

plate. With regular meshes N = 2, 4 and 8 See Figure 4.2, the transverse

contained in the corresponding tables.

4.3.1 Concentrated Load at the Center of the Free End

4.2.4

computed using commercial nite element tools, ANSYS-5.0 and SAP-90, and

Figure 4.5. The numerical solutions of these three cases for all meshes are also

Once again, numerical displacements are computed for only a quarter of the

wc = 3:0401019 10,1in

of D, P , and a into equation 4.2.3 gives

 4.3.2

49

4.4. The solution of the transverse displacement at the free end, w, from the

distributed line load q0 along the center line of the top face, as shown in Figure

Also, I look at a cantilever beam with I-shape cross section under a uniformly

4.3.2 Uniform Load along Center Line of Top Face

very closed to the result from the beam bending theory.

table. We can observe that the displacement computed with N = 8 is already

close agreement.
50

from beam bending theory and computed by elements in this thesis are in very

From the two cases of the I-beam above, we can see that the displacements

Table 4.5.

using the elements described in this thesis convergent rates are tabulated in

The transverse displacements w at point 1 see Figure 4.4 computed by

w = 2:22585  10,2

L is the length of the beam. Substituting q0 = 20bl=in, L = 40", I = 33:8802,

Aw = 1:1875 and E=G = 2:5 into equation 4.3.2 produces

L4 + q0 L2
w = q80EI
2A G

of convergence for numerical results. These results are tabulated in the same

where similarly the second term represents shear eect. q0 is the unique load, and

beam bending theory with shear eect is expressed as

Table 4.4: The transverse displacements at the free end of the I-shape section
cantilever beam under concentrated point load at the center of the free end with
dierent meshes and their convergent rates.

Meshes N
2
4
8
16
Displacement w 10,2 ,2:65646 ,2:80859 ,2:85107 ,2:85482
ANSYS5.0 w 10,2  ,1:9158 ,2:5457 ,2:7789 ,2:8424
SAP90 w 10,2 ,2:2862 ,2:6772 ,2:8150 ,2:8486

with N1 = 1, N2 = 2, N3 = 4, N4 = 8 and N5 = 16 describes the rate

N = wN w, wN ,1 
N

Speed of convergence for numerical results is dene. The convergent rate 

using the elements described in this thesis. Results are tabulated in Table 4.4.

The transverse displacements w at point 1 see Figure 4.3 are computed by

w = 2:85552 10,2 in

Aw , E , G, P and L into equation 4.3.1, so that

web. Suppose that the shear modulus is as E=G = 2:5. Substitute values of I ,

of the beam. I = 33:8802 is modulus of the area and Aw = 1:1875 is area of the

where the second term represents shear eect. P is the load, and L is the length

z
q0

y
N=2

b
1

h
x

at

52

that the solutions rapidly converge, and are stable.

From the examples of the I-beam and the folded plate, it can be observed

= 1, 2 and 4 are used and the results, the transverse displaceat points 1 and 2, and their convergent rates are tabulated in Table

4.8 and Table 4.9, respectively.

meshes with

As the third example, I consider a folded plate, as shown in Figure 4.6. The

4.4 Folded Plate Simply supported on two opposite sides

Table 4.6: The transverse displacements at point 1 of the I-shape section cantilever beam under two lever concentrated loads at the anges of the free end in
opposite directions along y with dierent meshes and their convergent rates.

tabulated in Table 4.7.

51

Meshes N
2
4
8
16
Displacement  10,1 2 45142 2 50528 2 51482 2 52135
ANSYS5.0  10,1 1 1280 1 8943 2 3378 2 5135
SAP90  10,1
2 0218 2 3010 2 4562 2 5195

ments

Table 4.5: The transverse displacements at the free end of the I-shape section
cantilever beam under uniform load along center line of the top face with dierent meshes and their convergent rates.

Meshes N
2
4
8
16
Displacement
10,2 ,2 19184 ,2 22248 ,2 23926 ,2 24607
ANSYS5.0
10,2  ,1 6003 ,2 0237 ,2 1862 ,2 2339
SAP90
10,2 ,2 0861 ,2 1831 ,2 2228 ,2 2413

by using the elements described in this thesis and their convergent rates are

The horizontal displacements along , , at point 1

see Figure 4.5 computed

thesis and their convergent rates are tabulated in Table 4.6.

point 1
see Figure 4.5 are computed by using the elements described in this

at the anges of the free end in opposite

directions along y, as shown in Figure 4.5. The transverse displacements

subject to two concentrated load

Displacements are computed for a cantilever beam having I-shape cross section,

4.3.3 Two Level Concentrated Loads at the Flanges of the Free

End in Opposite Directions Along y

Figure 4.4: Cantilever I-beam under a uniformly distributed line load along the
center line of the top face.

h = 5"
q0 = 20 bl/in

E = 10
= 0.3
t = 0.25"
L = 40"
b = 10"

7 psi

N=2

b
1

53

Table 4.7: The horizontal displacements at point 1 of the I-shape section cantilever beam under two lever concentrated loads at the anges of the free end in
opposite directions along y with dierent meshes and their convergent rates.

Meshes N
2
4
8
16
Displacement  10,1 1 38753 1 46572 1 48824 1 49583
ANSYS5.0  10,1 0 6299 1 1112 1 3743 1 4601
SAP90  10,1 
1 0434 1 3116 1 4407 1 4833

Figure 4.5: Cantilever I-beam under two level concentrated loads at the anges
of the free end in opposite directions along y.

P = 1600 bl

h = 5"

E = 107 psi
= 0.3
t = 0.25"
L = 40"
b = 10"

z
1

N=2

q0

1
,1 38009
,1 3654

2
,1 41003
,1 4068

4
,1 42237
,1 4209

2
,1 35207
,1 3514

4
,1 36062
,1 3604

54

Table 4.9: The transverse displacements at point 2 of the folded plate simply
supported on two opposite sides under uniform load along the center line with
dierent meshes and their convergent rates.

Meshes N
Displacement 10,1
ANSYS5.0 10,1

Table 4.8: The transverse displacements at point 1 of the folded plate simply
supported on two opposite sides under uniform load along the center line with
dierent meshes and their convergent rates.

Meshes N
Displacement  10,1
ANSYS5.0 10,1

Figure 4.6: A folded plate simply supported on two opposite sides.

b = 50"
L = 50"
q0 = 4000 lb/in
t = 0.1"

h = 25"

E = 10 7psi
= 0.3

55

integrating the shape functions. One advantage of the second approach is mass

lumped mass matrix. A second method is to form the consistent mass matrix by

computed in at least two ways. The easiest approach is to simply form the

nite element. The mass matrix is needed for dynamic analyses it can be

Future work will include the formulation of a mass matrix for the at shell

for both regular and distorted meshes.

other shell nite elements. The at shell elements shows excellent performance

bility of the shell element, compared to theoretical results when available

, and

Numerical experiments have been conducted to assess the accuracy and relia-

and skew-symmetric part of the displacement gradient.

formulation employs enforcement of equality of the independent rotation eld

the drilling degree of freedom via a variational formulation. The variational

the membrane element in more than one way. In this project we have introduced

As mentioned in Chapter 2, the drilling degree of freedom may be introduced into

with the drilling degrees of freedom, and a discrete Kirchho plate nite element.

element. The shell nite element is the combination of a membrane element,

This thesis has presented the formulation of a four-node thin at shell nite

Conclusions and Future Work

CHAPTER