Geometric non-linear hexahedral elements with rotational DOFs

Abstract

This paper presents an extension of two recently published conforming and non conforming eight-node hexahedral finite elements, presenting rotational degrees of freedom in addition to the classical displacement ones, to analyze geometric nonlinear problems. Their formulations are based on the so-called space fiber rotation concept that considers virtual rotations of a nodal fiber within the element which enhances the displacement vector approximation. To demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed finite elements, several beam and shell nonlinear assessment tests are presented and the obtained results are principally compared with the classical first-order and second-order hexahedral elements responses as well as other advanced elements from the literature. In particular, it is shown that the proposed elements allow a correct prediction of the studied structures nonlinear behaviors including snap-through and snap-back instabilities and the accuracy of the non conforming element is close to the classical 20-node hexahedral element.