A finite element model for nonlinear shells of revolution

Abstract

SUMMARYA finite element model for symmetrically loaded shells of revolution is described. The nonlinear geometric effects are accounted for by incrementing loads and iterating for equilibrium. The iteration process also allows for nonlinear materials. The shell model accounts for large strains, large rotations and shear deformation. Three example problems demonstrate the ability of this model to solve linear problems. Also, three example problems demonstrate the versatility and accuracy of this model for nonlinear problems. These nonlinear example problems are an axially loaded cylinder and an internally pressurized spherical shell that have large membrane strains, and a cylinder that deforms into a spherical shape, having large rotations.

Effect of Compressibility on Nonlinear Buckling of Simply Supported Polyurethane Spherical Shells Subjected to an Apical Load

“…Most of the rubber-like materials have been assumed to be incompressible and there have been a host of studies about rubber-like incompressible shells, for example, [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21], some of which have dealt with the behavior of incompressible spherical shells under apical loads.…”