A facet-like shell theory (Q761105)

A linear theory for facet-like thin elastic shells is derived where strain/displacement, curvature change/displacement and constitutive relations appear the same as for flat plates. Application of Koiter's arguments shows that the theory is a valid first approximation. The theory is of interest for limiting cases of faceted finite element analysis of smooth shells. Although the final equations of facet-like shell theory do not have quite as simple a form as more conventional equations it is possible that their derivation from equations for flat plates may appeal to engineers. A specialization of the equations is given to circular cylindrical shells where four simple illustrative examples show no essential differences with results from more conventional theory.