Nonlinear dynamics of shells: Theory, finite element formulation, and integration schemes (Q1362297)

We present a dynamical formulation of a recently established shell theory capable to catch finite deformations and falls within the class of geometrically exact shell theories. A basic aspect is the design of time integration schemes which preserve specific features of the continuous system such as conservation of momentum, angular momentum, and energy when the applied forces allow for such a conservation. A finite element formulation is given, and various examples of nonlinear shell dynamics, including large overall and chaotic motions, are considered.