Computational Mechanics for the Twenty-First Century
Edited by: B.H.V. Topping

Chapter 5

RELIABILITY OF FINITE ELEMENT METHODS FOR THIN SHELLS

We recall some fundamental considerations on the behaviour of the exact and approximate (finite element) solutions of shell models in order to introduce and analyse the issue of the reliability of shell finite elements when the thickness of the structure becomes small. We then present a methodology and guidelines for progressing in the quest for more reliable procedures.

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