Exact Kinematics Shells

An exact kinematics shell constructed at the University of Nebraska is capable of solving nonlinear large deformation shell problems with fewer elements and in less number of loading steps making it an ideal element for analysis of complex nonlinear problems. The element is constructed as a flexible platform allowing it to be used for many different applications from the analysis of civil structures to biological tissue.

Transverse loading of cantilever beam in only four loading steps.

Pure bending of a single element up to 360^o.

Removal of locking in pure bending  by going to higher order elements and more elements.

720^o twisting of a beam with only three elements and 32 loading steps.

Capturing buckling in compression using only two elements.

A cut annular ring subjected to distributed load.

Simulation of the cut annular ring with only five elements in 32 loading steps.

Pinched hemispherical shell with hole

Pinched cylindrical shell with free ends

Pinched cylindrical shell is modeled with only 4 elements.

Shallow roof subject to point load