4/17/2017 What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?

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Rosy Sarkar
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over 75% of questions answered within 48 hours
solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?
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Could anybody compare shell element and solid element, with as many points as
possible. Shell elements need low computational time. Is it that if we have high
speed computer, it is better to go with solid elements? What are the other
advantages of shell element?

Topics

Abaqus Finite Element Analysis Numerical Analysis Finite Element Method

Mechanical Engineering

May 14, 2013

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Popular Answers

Alexander Konyukhov · Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Similar Questions

The main disadvantages of solid element in FEM with linear Why is this error in abaqus XFEM method: too many
approximations for bending type problems is attempts for this increment?

LOCKING - phenomenon during bending -- the solid element will show the 31 answers added
bending behavior much stiffer in comparison with analytical solution.
LOCKING is higher if the solid element looks like shell (thickness is How can I 鿌�x this error in Abaqus - '119 elements have
smaller than two other sizes). missing property de鿌�nitions?

It can be resolved for solid element only by taking many elements for the 18 answers added
thickness, therefore, leading to many FE's.
In order to eliminate the locking problems the Solid-Shell FE is introduced, How do you solve the system error code 1073741819
in which in Abaqus 6.13?

EAS or ANS methods to remove locking are implemented is presented 54 answers added
even for FE with quadratic shape functions, because the locking
phenomena can be found also for FE quadratic shape functions. How can i link the abaqus(64-bit) and fortran ?

Apr 22, 2014 · Recommend 21 Recommendations 57 answers added

how can I import or use .inp 鿌�les in abaqus to view the

results?
Artur Iluk · Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
16 answers added
Be careful with the term "planar problem" and shell elements. Planar
problems often correspond to the 2D modeling space, and usage of plain-
stress and plain-strain elements. Their topology is identical with the shell
elements, but equations are completely different. Reads 71018
Your question is very general and hard to answer. Followers 74
A few main practical differences: shell-solid (besides of mentioned by
Agnieszka) Answers 21
1. Geometrical model
- solid model is often available, while shell has to be created
- problems in precise connection of the surfaces for shell model
- problems in proper connection (or contact) of multi-layered surfaces

2. Mesh
- shell mesh much is easier to create, if you need good quality elements
Got a question
(box you need
instead of tetrahedron answered
elements in solid) quickly? Sign up today to join our community of over
- more realistic boundary conditions for solid (faces instead of edges) 12+ million scienti鿌�c professionals.
Technical questions like the one you've just found usually get answered
within 48 hours on ResearchGate.
3. Analysis Join for free
- less problems with stability with shell model

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4/17/2017 What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?
- shell needs much less disk space for results, important for
nonlinear/nonstationary analysis and big models
- postprocesing of shells is faster (again for big model)

I recommend to take a look at the third possibility: continuous shell

element, available in some codes, ex. ABAQUS. The geometry (topology)
of element is like solid, but equations are like for shell elements. In some
applications is better than shell and solid.
May 16, 2013 · Recommend 12 Recommendations

All Answers (21)

Agnieszka Knoppik · Silesian University of Technology

Shell elements are used to model structural elements in which two
dimensions are much greater than the third one and when the change of
the analysed feature across this third direction can be neglected. It is
reasonable for static analysis of panel/planar elements such as slabs or
walls as well as thin-walled spatial elements such as shells. The
advatnages of the use of shell elements, as you said, results mainly from
time-saving due to reduced number of 韛�nite elements (and consequently
the equations to solve). So, anytime you can reduce the problem to planar
problem and neglect what happens at the thickess of the element I don't
see the reason to use solid elements. The results from the following
simple analysis: http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2012/10/shell-vs-solid-
elements/ suggest that it is when the third dimension is at least 20 times
smaller than the other ones.

However, if the change of the analysed feature is on a comparable level in

all directions of the analysed element, solid elements should be used. It is
the case e.g. in block elements, like massive concrete elements which are
among my interests. In such elements, the observed thermal and moisture
韛�elds are highly non-stationary and the resulting thermal and moisture
gradients lead to formation of the internal restraint in the elements which,
in turn, is the origin of (self-induced) stresses in the element. If that fact
was neglected, we would not be able to analyse this phenomenon.
May 14, 2013 · Recommend 5 Recommendations

Artur Iluk · Wroclaw University of Science and Technology

Be careful with the term "planar problem" and shell elements. Planar
problems often correspond to the 2D modeling space, and usage of plain-
stress and plain-strain elements. Their topology is identical with the shell
elements, but equations are completely different.

Your question is very general and hard to answer.

A few main practical differences: shell-solid (besides of mentioned by
Agnieszka)
1. Geometrical model
- solid model is often available, while shell has to be created
- problems in precise connection of the surfaces for shell model
- problems in proper connection (or contact) of multi-layered surfaces

2. Mesh
- shell mesh much is easier to create, if you need good quality elements
(box instead of tetrahedron elements in solid)
- more realistic boundary conditions for solid (faces instead of edges)

3. Analysis
- less problems with stability with shell model
Got a question
- shell needs muchyou
less need
disk spaceanswered quickly?
for results, important for Sign up today to join our community of over
nonlinear/nonstationary analysis and big models 12+ million scienti鿌�c professionals.
Technicalof
- postprocesing questions
shells islike the(again
faster one you've
for bigjust found usually get answered
model)
within 48 hours on ResearchGate. Join for free
I recommend to take a look at the third possibility: continuous shell
element, available in some codes, ex. ABAQUS. The geometry (topology)
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_shell_element_over_solid_element_in_FEM_other_than_computation... 2/7
4/17/2017 What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?
of element is like solid, but equations are like for shell elements. In some
applications is better than shell and solid.
May 16, 2013 · Recommend 12 Recommendations

Fawzi Belblidia · Swansea University

3D shell elements are prefered when the structure has one dimension (say
z direction) much smaller that the two others (say x and y). The thickness
(z direction) could also be a variable in x,y.
Mindlin-Reisner theory is needed for thicker shells and Kirchoff theory will
suf韛�ce for a much thinner shell (this is related the the rotational degree of
freedom)
If there is no feature in the model through the thickness than modelling
teh structure by shell elements is preferered (CPU, problem size).
Otherwise, a full 3D will be needed to capture feature through the
thickness.
May 17, 2013 · Recommend 1 Recommendation

Agnieszka Knoppik · Silesian University of Technology

Artur, you are right about the term "planar" and thanks for pointing that
out. The use of this term was not precise here. Of course saying planar we
refer to 2D elements, which is true in the examples of slabs/walls that I
made, but shell elements are also used for modelling of 3D structures
when the thickness of the element is neglected. I should rather refer to
them as surface elements but the commonly used term "shell elements" is
just about right and will suf韛�ce.
May 17, 2013 · Recommend 1 Recommendation

Fawzi Belblidia · Swansea University

When choosing between shell or solid element (in addition to one
dimension -z- being much smaller to the two others - x,y) will depend on
the loading conditions.
If the loading is the shell plan (tangent to the surface). The shell will
respond under a membrane effect (only two dof are excited: displacemets
in x and y directions) and the 2D plane-stress element could be used or a
3D solid with only one layer through the thickness (a C0 continiuity
element).
If the loading in normal to the shell surface, here the shell elemnt is
prefered, and depending on the thickness (Kirchoff or Mindlin element
could be used, depending on the curvature). The element formulation is
more complex as it needs a C1 contuiuity for rotations. One might used
the 3D solid element to model the bending (load componenent normal to
shell surface) but here at least 3 layers of 3D solids are needed.
Mesh re韛�nement is also tricky when using shell elements as a reduced
size (x,y) will make the assumption of thickness -z- being much smaller
than the other 2 dimensions -x,y, more dif韛�cult to sustain. This is not the
case for 3D solid elements.
May 20, 2013 · Recommend 1 Recommendation

Artur Iluk · Wroclaw University of Science and Technology

Fawzi,
It's true, but term "... to model the bending (load component normal to
shell surface)"
The bending is not necessarily caused by normal (out of plane) force. It
can be caused as well by bending moment applied to the edge (shell) or
pair of in-plane forces (solid).

Got a question you need answered quickly? Sign up today to join our community of over
The mesh re韛�nement for shell element is in practice not a problem. Even if
12+ million scienti鿌�c professionals.
element size is smaller
Technical thanlike
questions it'sthe
thickness (so assumption
one you've of thickness
just found usually get answered
being much
withinsmaller than
48 hours onthe other 2 dimensions is not true) results can
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be correct.

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4/17/2017 What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?
The mentioned assumption is the common opinion that in fact it' s not
true. The shell element applicability doesn't depend on ratio L/t, but on
ratio R/t
(where L- element length, t - element thickness, R - curvature radius of
surface)
For constant R and t (the same geometry) ratio R/t is constant, so re韛�ning
the mesh is possible even for quite small L. If R/t is high enough,
re韛�nement is OK.
May 20, 2013 · Recommend 1 Recommendation

Alexander Konyukhov · Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

The main disadvantages of solid element in FEM with linear
approximations for bending type problems is
LOCKING - phenomenon during bending -- the solid element will show the
bending behavior much stiffer in comparison with analytical solution.
LOCKING is higher if the solid element looks like shell (thickness is
smaller than two other sizes).
It can be resolved for solid element only by taking many elements for the
thickness, therefore, leading to many FE's.
In order to eliminate the locking problems the Solid-Shell FE is introduced,
in which
EAS or ANS methods to remove locking are implemented is presented
even for FE with quadratic shape functions, because the locking
phenomena can be found also for FE quadratic shape functions.
Apr 22, 2014 · Recommend 21 Recommendations

Artur Iluk · Wroclaw University of Science and Technology

Solid-shell FE is what I've mentioned before as continuous shell (Abaqus
name)
Apr 23, 2014 · Recommend

XinFeng Duan · Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Dear Artur Iluk,

You mentioned "The mentioned assumption is the common opinion that

in fact it's not true. The shell element applicability doesn't depend on ratio
L/t, but on ratio R/t (where L- element length, t - element thickness, R -
curvature radius of surface)".

I haven't seen this opinion before and I don't think I understand the
meaning of "R - curvature radius of surface". For example, an air-blast
loading is applied on the surface of a thin rectangular plate (dimension
400*400*3mm) with its edges clamped. What's the meaning of R? And
how can you get this opinion? Is there any example?

XinFengDuan

Apr 12, 2015 · Recommend

XinFeng Duan · Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Dear Alexander Konyukhov,

You mentioned "The main disadvantages of solid element in FEM with

linear approximations for bending type problems is LOCKING -
phenomenon during bending -- the solid element will show the bending
behavior much stiffer in comparison with analytical solution. LOCKING is
higher if the solid element looks like shell (thickness is smaller than two
other sizes). It can be resolved for solid element only by taking many
Got a question
elements you need
for the thickness ". answered quickly? Sign up today to join our community of over
I have heard this opinion many times, however I don't understand it. 12+ million scienti鿌�c professionals.
Technical questions like the one you've just found usually get answered
Suppose a large pressure is applied on a thin plate (dimension
within 48 hours on ResearchGate. Join for free
400*400*1mm) with its edges clamped and the plate will bend. In my
opinion, the bending behaviour of the plate will mainly depend on the

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_shell_element_over_solid_element_in_FEM_other_than_computation... 4/7
4/17/2017 What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?
mesh size of the plate surface not the thickness even the solid element is
used. If the mesh size of the plate surface is small enough (for example
1mm) and only one element is used in the thickness direction, I think a
good result can be gotten.

So how to understand this question? Or how to validate your opinion

about locking during bending with solid element?

XinFengDuan

Apr 12, 2015 · Recommend

XinFeng Duan · Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Dear Fawzi Belblidia,

You mentioned "If the loading in normal to the shell surface, here the shell
elemnt is prefered, and depending on the thickness (Kirchoff or Mindlin
element could be used, depending on the curvature). The element
formulation is more complex as it needs a C1 contuiuity for rotations. One
might used the 3D solid element to model the bending (load componenent
normal to shell surface) but here at least 3 layers of 3D solids are needed
".

I have heard this opinion many times, however I don't understand it. In my
opinion, the bending behaviour of a shell surface will mainly depend on
the mesh size of the plate surface not the thickness even the solid
element is used. If the mesh size of the plate surface is small enough and
only one element is used in the thickness direction, I think a good result
can be gotten.

So how to understand this question? Or how to validate your opinion

about at least 3 elements are needed in the thickness direction during
bending with solid element?

XinFengDuan

Apr 12, 2015 · Recommend

Fawzi Belblidia · Swansea University

Hello XinFeng Duan,

It is agreed that shells provide less computational time in contrast to

solids. This is mainly due to the number of elements to be used in the
model. For shell elements the plane (x,y) dimensions are usually much
larger than the thickness (Z) dimension. To achieve similar accuracy, solid
elements have to have similar size (element ratio) in all directions, thus
necessitating a smaller size solids (as you mentioned). Moreover, with
solids and to be able to mimic the bending effect of the structure (in the z-
direction of plate/shell structure), it is necessary to model through the
structure thickness with more than one solid element. While, the shell
element has already the bending effect within it formulation (as rotation
dof according to Mindlin or Kirchoff theory).

Apr 13, 2015 · Recommend 4 Recommendations

XinFeng Duan · Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Dear Fawzi Belblidia,

Thank you for your reply. I want to validate this conclusion with a simple
example, however I don't know how to do it. Is it possible to validate it with
a simple example?

Apr 13, 2015 · Recommend

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Fawzi Belblidia · Swansea University 12+ million scienti鿌�c professionals.
Technical questions like the one you've just found usually get answered
That will be great. You can use any standard text book in elasticity to
within 48 hours on ResearchGate. Join for free
check these assumptions. See for examples attachment or:
http://www.roymech.co.uk/Useful_Tables/Mechanics/Plates.html

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_shell_element_over_solid_element_in_FEM_other_than_computation... 5/7
4/17/2017 What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?
Use solid and plate element to model one of these examples and compare
韛�nding to given analytical solution.

Hope this helps.

4_Bending_of_plates.pdf

Apr 13, 2015 · Recommend

XinFeng Duan · Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Dear Fawzi Belblidia,

Thank you for the useful information. What's the expecting results
according to the theory? If less than 3 elements are used through the
thickness, does the maximum stress and deퟢ�ection smaller than the
results with shell elements? 

Apr 14, 2015 · Recommend

Ban Nguyen dang · Chonnam National University

Dear all.

I also got same problem with solid and shell elements.

Now, I am analyzing very thin shells with ratio between thickness(t) and
overall size(D) of shell is 1/5000  I used different element types to
compare the strength and stiff of structures. The result is so interesting.
The models are meshed by shell elements, solid-shell elements are not
sensitive with element size but the output result is low even lower than
experiment while models meshed by solid elements is stiffer and much
higher mech properties( 10 times results gained by shell elements) but
they is sensitive with element size. And because of very large ratio D/t, i
don't know what element size is good enough and the analysis result is
correct or not?

Could you give me your recommendation in this case?

Thanks

Jan 13, 2016 · Recommend

Deleted · Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Dear All,

I am trying to thermally bend a plate using Ansys apdl. I used solid

element and the normal stress output I am getting is high which is against
the Kirchoff's classical plate theory. I tried with shell elements but I
couldnt achieve thermal bending as shell element is not supporting
through thickness temperature distribution. Can anyone help me on
thermal bending of plates using shell elements with Ansys apdl?

Nov 22, 2016 · Recommend

Abbas AbdulMajeed Allawi · University of Baghdad

I think multi-layers of solid element is better than shell element.

Mar 11 · Recommend

Tamizharasan Perumal · SRM University

how can i create shell element in hypermesh  and what material property
should give as a input to solve in ansys.
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Marquestion you need answered quickly?
21 · Recommend Sign up today to join our community of over
12+ million scienti鿌�c professionals.
Technical questions like the one you've just found usually get answered
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Mohammad Mamunur Rahman · Intel
I think this link will answer your question:

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_advantages_and_disadvantages_of_shell_element_over_solid_element_in_FEM_other_than_computation... 6/7
4/17/2017 What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell element over solid element in FEM, (other than computational time)?

http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/20...ell-vs-solid-elements/#.WNlfsfkrLIU
Simulation: Shell Elements vs. Solid Elements - SOLIDWORKS Tech Tips,
Videos & Tutorials from Javelin
A number of people are quite reluctant to use shell elements vs. solid
elements. Shell elements can be a huge time save since they allow the
modelling of thin features with relatively much fewer elements than solid
elements. They are also easier to mesh and less prone negative Jacobian
errors which might occur when usingRead More

Mar 28 · Recommend

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