On finite element large displacement and elastic-plastic dynamic analysis of shell structures

Finite element procedures for nonlinear dynamic analysis of shell structures are presented and assessed. Geometric and material nonlinear conditions are considered. Some results are presented that demonstrate current applicabilities of finite element procedures to the nonlinear dynamic analysis of two-dimensional shell problems. The nonlinear response of a shallow cap, an impulsively loaded cylindrical shell and a complete spherical shell is predicted. In the analyses the effects of various finite element modeling characteristics are investigated. Finally, solutions of the static and dynamic large displacement elastic-plastic analysis of a complete spherical shell subjected to external pressure are reported. The effect of initial imperfections on the static and dynamic buckling behavior of this shell is presented and discussed.