# zbMATH — the first resource for mathematics

A three-node $$C^0$$ ANS element for geometrically nonlinear structural analysis. (English) Zbl 1083.74588
Summary: A three-node macro triangular element is proposed for geometrically nonlinear analysis of plates and shells. This study concentrates on not only improving the performance of the element by reducing the locking effect but also retaining the geometrical advantages of three-node triangular element in pre-processing. The assumed natural strain (ANS) formulation is adopted to suppress the locking effect. The macro element strategy improves the element accuracy and enhances the effectiveness of ANS formulation by incorporating three sub-triangles. The resulting element configuration fits on the conventional three-node triangular mesh after condensing out the virtual center node. Numerical tests evaluate the element for geometrically nonlinear analysis of plates and shells. The results demonstrate that the present element significantly improves the accuracy in nonlinear analysis.

##### MSC:
 74S05 Finite element methods applied to problems in solid mechanics 74K20 Plates 74K25 Shells
##### Keywords:
locking effect; macro element; pre-processing
Full Text: