Numerical analysis of the stress-strain state of thin shells based on a joint triangular finite element

Abstract

Relevance. The use of the finite element method for determining the stressstrain state of thin-walled elements of engineering structures predetermines their discretization into separate finite elements. Splitting irregular parts of the structure is impossible without the use of triangular areas. The triangular elements of shell structures are joint in displacements and in their derivatives only at the nodal points. Therefore, ways to improve the compatibility conditions at the boundaries of triangular elements are relevant. Aims of research. The aim of the work is to improve the compatibility conditions at the boundaries of adjacent triangular elements based on equating the derivatives of normal displacements in the middle of the boundary sides. Methods. In order to improve the compatibility conditions at the boundaries of triangular elements in this work, the Lagrange functional is used with the condition of ensuring equality in the middle of the sides of adjacent elements derived from normal displacements in the directions of perpendiculars tangent to the middle surface of the shell. Results. Using the example of analysing an elliptical shell, the efficiency of using a joint triangular finite element is shown, whose stiffness matrix is formed in accordance with the algorithm outlined in this article.

Keywords

• shell construction
• nodal unknowns
• triangular finite element
• Lagrange coefficients