Three dimensional degenerated shell theory and assumed strain shell elements

In this paper Reissner-Mindlin plate theory is extended to cater for curved shell structures. It can be considered as Reissner-Mindlin type shell theory. From this theory, the C(O) continuity formulation of shell elements of taking account the transverse shear deformation could be derived directly. These degenerated shell elements have been widely employed. To overcome the locking of shear and membrane and avoid zero energy modes the author proposed the formulation of the new elements with assumed strains. A wide range of numerical tests was conducted and the results illustrate that the assumed strain elements possess high accuracy and good performance.