Finite element analysis of membrane wrinkling

New results are presented for the finite element analysis of wrinkling in c urved elastic membranes undergoing large deformation. Concise continuum lev el governing equations are derived in which singularities are eliminated. A simple and efficient algorithm with robust convergence properties is estab lished to find the real strain and stress of the wrinkled membrane for Hook ean materials. The continuum theory is implemented into a finite element co de. Explicit formulas for the internal forces and the tangent stiffness mat rix are derived. Numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the effe ctiveness of the new theory for predicting wrinkling in membranes undergoin g targe deformation. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.