A Refined Finite Element Analysis of Thin Shell Structures Including Dynamic Loadings

摘要

The purpose of this report is to describe an investigation of the application of a refined triangular finite element to the analysis of thin shell structures, of arbitrary form, for the effects of static and dynamic loadings. To develop an element suitable for a shell analysis, in the sense that is possesses all three translational and rotational degrees of freedom at each nodal point, a refined plane stress finite element with a quadratic variation of strain is combined with a fully compatible plate bending finite element. The resulting shell finite element has a cubic displacement pattern and is capable of undergoing the general transformation of axes required in the direct stiffness method of structural analysis. Following the development of a static analysis, the concept is extended to obtain the dynamic properties of a general shell structure. Finally techniques are developed to obtain the response of a shell roof structure to an arbitrary ground acceleration history, such as that produced by a strong earthquake. Digital computer programs to use the refined shell element are discussed and examples of their application are presented together with comparisons from other investigations, whenever they are available. (Author)