On the use of Lagrange multiplier compatible modes for controlling accuracy and stability of mixed shell finite elements (Q1205118)

It is shown in the context of Mindlin kinematics that the use of element- based compatible Lagrange multipliers with local bubble basis functions can lead to accurate stresses, including transverse shear stresses, and the complete elimination of transverse shear locking. Further, due to the use of uncoupled stress components, the element flexibility matrix can be inverted with minimal expense leading to an efficient procedure for the element stiffness matrix. A four-node shell element, which is proved to be numerically stable in the sense of the Babuška-Brezzi condition, is described in detail.