Formulation and object oriented implementation of a nonlinear rotation free Kirchhoff shell element
Abstract:
A multi-purpose general rotation free element for the analysis of thin Kirchhoff-Love type shells is derived based on the puplication of Linhard et al. [11] and implemented in the object formulated finite element code Carat++. Upgrading the existing membrane element to a shell with additional stiffnesses, calculated out of curvature information regarding surrounding elements the element is tested in renowned benchmarks to proof its accuracy and robustness.