A 14-node brick element, PN5X1, for plates and shells

We use the Papcovitch-Neuber (PN) solution to the Navier equation and devel op a new 14-node brick element PN5X1, to represent linear stress fields exa ctly. We perform patch tests, to assess its ability to converge in plate an d shell problems. We also test the new element in rectangular and circular plates with simply supported and clamped edges and subject them to point an d uniformly distributed loads. We also use it in locking tests and in low-e nergy deformation mode tests of rectangular plates. PN5X1 passes the patch tests and predicts, in the limit of discretization, theoretical values in a lmost all the plate and shell problems, (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.