A family of conforming finite elements for deep shell analysis

Published in ''Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng.'' Vol. 18(3), pp. 363-380, 1982<br />
doi: 10.1002/nme.1620180305

== Abstract ==

The problem related to the derivation of conforming deep shell finite elements is examined in the light of the thin shell theory and using the classical Loves strain energy formulation. A family of quadrangular finite elements allowing for variable curvature is developed. It is shown how an exact conformity of the displacements can be ensured in a large number of cases.

Various static and dynamic applications are used to illustrate the advantages of these elements.