A new efficient mixed formulation for thin shell finite element models

A nine node shell element is developed by a new and more efficient mixed formulation. The new shell element formulation is based on the Hellinger–Reissner principle with independent strain and the concept of a degenerate solid shell. The new formulation is made more efficient in terms of computing time than the conventional mixed formulation by dividing the assumed strain fields into a lower order part and a higher order part. Numerical results demonstrate that the present nine node element is free of locking even for very thin plates and shells and is also kinematically stable. In fact the stiffness matrix associated with the higher order assumed strain plays the role of a stabilization matrix.     

Finite-rotation shell elements via mixed formulation

Starting from a tensorial five-parametric finite-rotation shell theory a family of mixed finite elements is developed on the basis of a Reissner-Mindlin type functional. The family developed contains 4-node and 9-node quadrilateral shell elements. In each of them the displacement approximation is combined with various force variable interpolations in order to improve flexibility for numerical applications. The so-called difference vector occurring in the shell theory is expressed in terms of new rotational degrees of freedom which permit a unique determination of this variable in every deformed position. The corresponding constraints are then satisfied at the element level numerically. Due to the underlying theory the numerical models developed are able to predict the physical 2D force variables accurately. Their capability to deal with strongly nonlinear situations is demonstrated by several examples where numerical results due to Kirchhoff-Love type elements are also included for a systematical comparison.     

A mixed finite element formulation for non-linear analysis of plane problems

Based on the incremental non-linear theory of solid bodies and the Hellinger-Reissncr principle, a mixed updated Lagrangian formulation of the large displacement motion of solid bodies is derived, and an associated mixed finite element model is developed. The model contains the displacements and stresses as the nodal degrees of freedom. The model is used for the large deformation elasto-plastic analysis of plane problems. In solving non-linear problems, the Newton-Raphson method with arc-length control is adopted to trace the post-buckling response. The computational steps to calculate the elasto-plastic stress increments at Gauss points in the elasto-plastic analysis by the present mixed model are described in detail. Numerical results are presented and compared with those of the displacement model and existing solutions to show the accuracy of the present mixed model in the large deformation elasto-plastic analysis of plane problems.     

A mixed finite element formulation for plate problems

A mixed triangular finite element model has been developed for plate bending problems in which effects of shear deformation are included. Linear distribution for all variables is assumed and the matrix equation is obtained through Reissner's variational principle. In this model, interelement compatibility is completely satisfied whereas the governing equations within the element are satisfied ‘in the mean’. A detailed error analysis is made and convergence of the scheme is proved. Numerical examples of thin and moderately thick plates are presented.     

A triangular finite shell element based on a fully nonlinear shell formulation

This work presents a fully nonlinear six-parameter (3 displacements and 3 rotations) shell model for finite deformations together with a triangular shell finite element for the solution of the resulting static boundary value problem. Our approach defines energetically conjugated generalized cross-sectional stresses and strains, incorporating first-order shear deformations for an inextensible shell director (no thickness change). Finite rotations are treated by the Euler–Rodrigues formula in a very convenient way, and alternative parameterizations are also discussed herein. Condensation of the three-dimensional finite strain constitutive equations is performed by applying a mathematically consistent plane stress condition, which does not destroy the symmetry of the linearized weak form. The results are general and can be easily extended to inelastic shells once a stress integration scheme within a time step is at hand. A special displacement-based triangular shell element with 6 nodes is furthermore introduced. The element has a nonconforming linear rotation field and a compatible quadratic interpolation scheme for the displacements. Locking is not observed as the performance of the element is assessed by several numerical examples, which also illustrate the robustness of our formulation. We believe that the combination of reliable triangular shell elements with powerful mesh generators is an excellent tool for nonlinear finite element analysis.Fellowship funding from FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa), together with the material support and stimulating discussions in IBNM (Institut für Baumechanik und Numerische Mechanik), are gratefully acknowledged in this work.     

Nonlinear analysis via global–local mixed finite element approach

A computational algorithm, based on the combined use of mixed finite elements and classical Rayleigh–Ritz approximation, is presented for predicting the nonlinear static response of structures; The fundamental unknowns consist of nodal displacements and forces (or stresses) and the governing nonlinear finite element equations consist of both the constitutive relations and equilibrium equations of the discretized structure. The vector of nodal displacements and forces (or stresses) is expressed as a linear combination of a small number of global approximation functions (or basis vectors), and a Rayleigh–Ritz technique is used to approximate the finite element equations by a reduced system of nonlinear equations. The global approximation functions (or basis vectors) are chosen to be those commonly used in static perturbation technique; namely a nonlinear solution and a number of its path derivatives. These global functions are generated by using the finite element equations of the discretized structure. The potential of the global–local mixed approach and its advantages over global–local displacement finite element methods are discussed. Also, the high accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach are demonstrated by means of numerical examples.     

A finite element formulation for creep analysis

As an alternative to the initial strain method, a variable stiffness method is presented for creep analysis. The method is developed by incorporating the change in stress state during a time interval in determining the creep strain increments concurrent with the change. It is shown by means of examples that this method provides solution stability for relatively large time intervals for which the initial strain method may fail to function properly.     

A control volume mixed finite element formulation for tetrahedral elements

The control‐volume mixed finite element method is formulated for and applied to a computational domain consisting of a tetrahedral partitioning to solve the steady groundwater flow equations. Test functions consistent with piecewise constant and piecewise linear pressure distributions are used in the formulation. Comparisons are made with a standard mixed finite element formulation using lowest‐order Raviart Thomas basis functions. Results suggest that the control‐volume based formulation is a viable alternative to the standard formulation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A mixed formulation and mixed finite elements for limit analysis

A mixed variational principle for the limit analysis of rigid-perfectly plastic continua is discussed, in which the nonlinear yield condition and the associated flow rule appear through a suitably defined ‘penalty’ function. A mixed finite element discrete formulation is derived and a sequential unconstrained minimization technique is devised, affording a complete (static and kinematic) solution. Several results are presented in both structural and soil mechanics, compared with previously available (exact and numerical) solutions.     

A mixed finite element formulation for timoshenko beam on winkler foundation

 A mixed formulation for Timoshenko beam element on Winkler foundation has been derived by defining the total curvature in terms of the bending moment and its second order derivation. Displacement and moment have been chosen as primary variables, while slope and first derivation of moment have been chosen as secondary variables. The behaviour matrix for Timoshenko beam element has been obtained in mixed form by using weak formulation with equilibrium and compatibility equations. The presented formulation makes the analysis of beams free of shear locking. Received: 10 July 2002 / Accepted: 14 January 2003     

ALE finite element formulation for ring rolling analysis

In this paper, a ring rolling process is analysed by the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) finite element method. Phenomena associated with the process, such as large deformations, elastoplastic material behaviour and the friction on the interface, are included in the analysis. Special modelling on driven, idle and guide rolls is given. Results which include the overall shape of the formed ring, the time histories of roll separating force and driving torque, the distribution of the normal pressure on the ring–roll interface as well as the distribution of effective stresses in the formed ring, are also presented.     

A new efficient approach to the formulation of mixed finite element models for structural analysis

A new mixed finite element formulation is developed based on the Hellinger-Reissner principle with independent strain. By dividing the assumed strain into its lower order and higher order parts, the new formulation can be made much more efficient than the conventional mixed formulation. In addition the present new approach provides an alternative way of introducing a stabilization matrix to suppress undesirable kinematic modes.     

A finite element formulation for thermoelastic damping analysis

We present a finite element formulation based on a weak form of the boundary value problem for fully coupled thermoelasticity. The thermoelastic damping is calculated from the irreversible flow of entropy due to the thermal fluxes that have originated from the volumetric strain variations. Within our weak formulation we define a dissipation function that can be integrated over an oscillation period to evaluate the thermoelastic damping. We show the physical meaning of this dissipation function in the framework of the well‐known Biot's variational principle of thermoelasticity. The coupled finite element equations are derived by considering harmonic small variations of displacement and temperature with respect to the thermodynamic equilibrium state. In the finite element formulation two elements are considered: the first is a new 8‐node thermoelastic element based on the Reissner–Mindlin plate theory, which can be used for modeling thin or moderately thick structures, while the second is a standard three‐dimensional 20‐node iso‐parametric thermoelastic element, which is suitable to model massive structures. For the 8‐node element the dissipation along the plate thickness has been taken into account by introducing a through‐the‐thickness dependence of the temperature shape function. With this assumption the unknowns and the computational effort are minimized. Comparisons with analytical results for thin beams are shown to illustrate the performances of those coupled‐field elements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sandwich shell finite element for dynamic explicit analysis

The contribution of this paper consists of new development of transverse shear stresses through the thickness and finding an expression for the critical time step for explicit time integration of layered shells. This work presents the finite element (FE) formulation and implementation of a higher‐order shear deformable shell element for dynamic explicit analysis of composite and sandwich shells. The formulation is developed using a displacement‐based third‐order shear deformation shell theory. Using the differential equilibrium equations and the interlayer requirements, special treatment is developed for the transverse shear, resulting in a continuous, piecewise quartic distribution of the transverse shear stresses through the shell thickness. Expressions are developed for the critical time step of the explicit time integration for orthotropic homogeneous and layered shells based on the developed third‐order formulation. To assess the performance of the present shell element, it is implemented in the general non‐linear explicit dynamic FE code DYNA3D. Several problems are solved and results are presented and compared to other theoretical and numerical results. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A geometrically non-linear tensorial formulation of a skewed quadrilateral thin shell finite element

A 48-degree-of-freedom (d.o.f.) skewed quadrilateral thin shell finite element, including the effect of geometrical non-linearity, is formulated and appropriate numerical procedures are adopted for the development of an efficient approach for the static and dynamic analysis of general thin shell structures. The element surface is described by a variable-order polynomial in curvilinear co-ordinates. The displacement functions are described by bicubic Hermitian polynomials in curvilinear co-ordinates. The directions of the curvilinear co-ordinates at each nodal point are uniquely defined to coincide with the directions of the boundaries of the element. In the present case of a skewed quadrilateral with non-orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, the coupling terms of the metric tensor and curvature tensor of the surface no longer vanish, such as in the case of orthogonal co-ordinates. The tensor form is used in the setup of the shape functions, geometric derivatives, stiffness matrix and computer code. This allows for the treatment of shells with irregular shapes and variable curvatures. To evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of this formulation, a systematic list of examples is chosen: (i) linear and non-linear static analysis of square and rhombic plates, cylindrical and spherical shells; (ii) linear vibrations of trapezoidal flat and curved plates; (iii) large amplitude vibrations of a rhombic plate. For the square plate and cylindrical and spherical shell, shewed element meshes with various distortion angles are used to study the effect of the distortion angles on the accuracy of the results and to demonstrate the versatility of the present element. All results are compared with alternative available solutions including those obtained using regular rectangular meshes. Pinched thin cylindrical and spherical shells are studied using different skewed meshes and various Gauss integration meshes, and no membrane locking phenomenon is observed.     

Nonlinear rotation‐free three‐node shell finite element formulation

A new triangular thin‐shell finite element formulation is presented, which employs only translational degrees of freedom. The formulation allows for large deformations, and it is based on the nonlinear Kirchhoff thin‐shell theory. A number of static and dynamic test problems are considered for which analytical or benchmark solutions exist. Comparisons between the predictions of the new model and these solutions show that the new model accurately reproduces complex nonlinear analytical solutions as well as solutions obtained using existing, more complex finite element formulations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The p-version of finite element method for shell analysis

A new quadrature scheme and a family of hierarchical assumed strain elements have been developed to enhance the performance of the displacement-based hierarchical shell elements. Various linear iterative procedures have been examined for their suitability to solve system of equations resulting from hierarchic shell formulations.     

Sub-region mixed finite element analysis of V-notched plates

In this paper the eigenproblem of elastic plates with V-notches is studied in terms of the complex potentials of elasticity. The variation of the eigenvalues as functions of notch angle is discussed. The phenomenon of bifurcation in the curves of higher-order eigenvalues is discovered and the concept of critical angle is proposed. Furthermore, a singular stress element, according to the stress field around notch-tips, is developed to account for notch-tip singularity. Moreover, conventional regular displacement elements are used outside the singular stress element, and then the basic finite element equations can be established based on the sub-region mixed energy principle. In two numerical examples, the stress intensity factors K _I and K _II of the notched specimens with various opening angles are evaluated, satisfactory accuracy can be obtained with very coarse meshes.