A non-linear finite element formulation for shells of arbitrary geometry

Based on a total Lagrangian approach, the shell element formulation develop ed by two of the authors is extended to non-linear field. The proposed shel l element belongs to the degenerated 3D type, with a Mindlin-Reissner appro ach and five effective degrees of freedom per node. A detailed description of the geometry and kinematics characterisation of the element, as well as of the stress-strain relationship is presented. Numerical testing of the no n-linear model indicates excellent performance of the proposed finite eleme nt shell, both in simulating large displacement and rotations, and in the b uckling analysis of some classical test examples, e.g., cylinder and sphere . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.