Geometrically nonlinear finite-element models for thin shells with geometric imperfections

Abstract

A finite-element method to analyze the stress–strain state and stability of thin shells with geometric imperfections is proposed. An arbitrary curvilinear finite element with vector approximation of the displacement function is used. To solve the systems of nonlinear algebraic equations by iteration methods, linearized stiffness matrices of finite elements and residual and load vectors are formed. The stress–strain state of a thin-walled shell with real geometric imperfections under surface pressure and axial compression is analyzed. The effect of geometric imperfections on the critical combination of loads is evaluated