On a stress resultant geometrically exact shell model. III: Computational aspects of the nonlinear theory (Q1813601)

[For parts I and II, see \textit{J. C. Simo} and \textit{D. D. Fox}, ibid. 72, No. 3, 267-304 (1989; Zbl 0692.73062); and \textit{J. C. Simo}, \textit{D. D. Fox} and \textit{M. S. Rifai}, ibid. 73, No. 1, 53-92 (1989; Zbl 0724.73138).] Finite element implementation of the geometrically exact models introduced in the previous paper is considered. The weak form of momentum equations is parametrized avoiding explicit appearance of the Riemannian connection of the mid-surface and the use of quaternion parameters caused singularities. The finite element treatment of the membrane and bending field is generalized to the nonlinear case. The equilibrium equation is linearized to obtain a closed form expression of the discrete tangent operator which is essential in analysis and simulation of bifurcation problems. The iterative Newton-type procedure is applied which convergence rate is quadratic. The solution examples are presented.