Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Sandwich Shells of Revolution

Abstract

The nonlinear bending and buckling problems of axisvmmetric three-layered sandwich shells are solved using an incremental finite element approach. The nonlinearities considered are due to large displacements, and plastic deformations of the facings. The sandwich construction is assumed to have identical facings and isotropic material properties. Flexural, extensional, and shear stiffnesses of all three layers are considered. The discrete model is obtained using a doubly curved axisv mmetric shell element. An incremental variational principle is employed to derive the element equilibrium equations. These equations contain a load correction term which gives better accuracy and convergence. To illustrate the applicability of the method to nonlinear bending and buckling problems, three examples are solved. The finite element solutions compare favorably with the available analytical and experimental results.