COMPUTATION OF THIN STRUCTURES AT LARGE STRAINS AND LARGE ROTATIONS USING A SIMPLE C-0 ISOPARAMETRIC 3-NODE SHELL ELEMENT

In this paper, the efficiency of a three-node shelf finite element wit h fifteen degrees of freedom using linear interpolation functions is s hown for calculations involving non-linearities such as large rotation s and large strains. The element is based on isoparametric Ahmad kinem atics and an assumed strain method in order to avoid shear locking. Th e element presents a pseudo-curvature and the normal continuity is ass ured. An updated Lagrangian formulation is used and allows us to solve problems where the rotations are large. The element works with a sing le quadrature which leads to a good numerical efficiency. The element involves no spurious energy mode (when considering several elements). A set of tests is presented that show the good numerical efficiency of the element in the case of non-linear calculations.