A comparative study of three-dimensional and two-dimensional finite element analyses for intersecting shells

In this study, the numerical procedure for the three-dimensional finite ele ment analysis of shell intersections is presented. The paper includes a des cription of the modified mixed variational formulation, a model of an eight -node three-dimensional finite element and a computer program for stress an alysis of the intersecting shells. The comparison off stress results obtain ed using the three-dimensional computer program with experimental data is g iven. The results of a comparative study of the three-dimensional and two-d imensional finite element analyses for stress distribution in the intersect ion region and the maximum effective stress are presented for normally inte rsecting cylindrical shells under internal pressure loading.