Degenerated isoparametric finite elements using explicit integration

Abstract

Abstract The kinematics of degenerated finite elements using explicit integration are investigated, in particular for geometric nonlinear applications. Two representations of the nodal rotational degrees‐of‐freedom are investigated; the first adopts the infinitesimal representation of rotations, while the second uses a valid large rotation representation. A method of explicit integration is presented which satisfies rigid body rotations under arbitrary large rotations. The accuracy and convergence of these formulations are investigated.