Nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis of composite cylindrical shells considering large rotations

A new nonlinear finite element formulation is developed for the nonlinear d ynamics of shell structures. Using a vectorial approach, the kinematics tha t can be used to describe very large displacements and large rotations are derived. Green strain measures and second Piola Kirchhoff stress measures a re used in the determination of the total potential. A displacement-based e ight-noded cylindrical shell element with a total of 36 degrees of freedom is developed. Several numerical examples are dynamically analyzed to observ e the characteristics of large displacements and large rotations. A converg ence study was carried out to establish the numerical accuracy of the model . The most efficient and accurate model was used.