One point quadrature shell element with through-thickness stretch (Q2495577)

This paper extends previous results by the same authors et al. [ibid. 191, No. 45, 5177--5206 (2002; Zbl 1083.74583)] in order to model consistently through-thickness effects (thickness change and linear variations of thickness stretch) in the approximation of shells. Various benchmark tests including geometric, material and contact nonlinearities are carried out to assess the performance of the method. It is shown that the developed shell element can be successfully applied to general nonlinear applications for thin or thick shells, without thickness locking.