Energy and momentum conserving elastodynamics of a non-linear brick-type mixed finite shell element

The paper presents aspects of the finite element formulation of momentum an d energy conserving algorithms for the non-linear dynamic analysis of shell -like structures. The key contribution is a detailed analysis of the implem entation of a Simo-Tarnow-type conservation scheme in a recently developed new mixed finite shell element. This continuum-based shell element provides a well-defined interface to strain-driven constitutive stress updates algo rithms. It is based an the classic brick-type trilinear displacement elemen t and is equipped with specific gradient-type enhanced strain modes and she ll-typical assumed strain modifications. The excellent performance of the p roposed dynamic shell formulation with respect to conservation properties a nd numerical stability behaviour is demonstrated by means of three represen tative numerical examples of elastodynamics which exhibit complex free moti ons of flexible structures undergoing large strains and large rigid-body mo tions. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.