CSAR Seminar

SPEAKER: Roman Arciniega, Texas A&M University

TITLE: Tensor-Based Finite Element Model for the Nonlinear Analysis of Shell Structures

DATE: Thursday, January 19, 2006
TIME: 11:00 A.M.
PLACE: 2240 DCL
1304 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana, IL

ABSTRACT

In the present study, we propose a computational model for the nonlinear analysis of shell structures. We consider a tensor-based finite element formulation which describes the mathematical shell model in a natural and simple way by using curvilinear coordinates [1]. In addition, we develop a family of high-order elements with Lagrangian interpolations to avoid membrane and shear locking where no mixed interpolations are required. The first-order shell theory with seven parameters is derived with exact nonlinear deformations and under the framework of the Lagrangian description. Finite displacements and rotations (unlimited in size) are allowed. This approach takes into account thickness changes and, therefore, 3D constitutive equations are utilized. Numerical simulations and comparisons of the present results with those found in the literature for typical benchmark problems involving isotropic and laminated composites, as well as functionally graded shells, are found to be excellent and show the validity of the developed finite element model [2, 3]. Moreover, the simplicity of this approach makes it attractive for future applications in different topics of research, such as contact mechanics and damage propagation of shells.

References

[1] R.A. Arciniega, J.N. Reddy, Tensor-based finite element formulation for geometrically nonlinear analysis of shell structures, submitted to CMAME.

[2] R.A. Arciniega, J.N. Reddy, Consistent third-order shell theory with application to composite circular cylinders, AIAA J. 43 (9) (2005) 2024-2038.

[3] J.N. Reddy, R.A. Arciniega, Shear deformation plate and shell theories: From Stavsky to present, Mech. Advanced Mater. Struct. 11 (2004) 535-582.

Joint work with J. N. Reddy