Solid-shell approach based on first-order or higher-order plate and shell theories for the finite element analysis of thin to very thick structures (Q2134396)

A new solid-shell approach, which leads to some advantages, is presented. It is based on applications of plate and shell models and standard solid finite element models. The aim is an adaptive modeling based on the use of solid finite elements. It is proposed to use solid theory in some areas of the structure and shell theory in other ones, because the solid theory is better to reproduce the main local effects, but a shell theory may work well for other areas. The application of both solid and shell theory in the same model requires that two different types of finite elements must be managed. One of the characteristics of the proposed approach is that the displacement field related to various plate or shell theories can be used. The main mechanical effects of 3D elasticity theory, in particular the Poisson effect, are taken into account. The proposed approach allows for mixed models, such that some parts of the structure use the solid-shell approach and other parts the solid model. Meshing difficulties may appear at the interface between the solid and solid-shell areas. To prevent this problem, the mesh systematically contains several elements through the thickness of the structure. This leads to homogeneous and regular meshes over the whole structure. Three theories have been considered in this study. The classical first-order theory, the modified first-order theory and a higher-order theory lead to the FOSS, the MFOSS and the HOSS models respectively. Kinematic relations are imposed at nodes to meet through-the-thickness shell displacement fields. Two examples are presented: a clamped square plate under distributed loading and a quarter of cylinder under pressure. The FOSS model gives unsatisfactory results. The HOSS model leads to excellent results for the thin as well as the thick shells, by comparison with the solid approach. The MFOSS model is satisfactory for thin structures and generates moderate errors for the thick shell. Last approach is also efficient from a computational cost point of view. So, in this paper the solid-shell approach is presented and assessed.