High-order triangular finite element for shell analysis

A curved-shell finite element of triangular shape is described which is based on conventional shell theory expressed in terms of surface coordinates and displacements Each of the three surface displacement components is independently represented by a two-dimensional polynomial of constrained-quintic order giving the element a total of 54 degrees of freedom. Two particular geometric forms of the element are considered, viz. doubly-curved shallow and circular cylindrical. The high level of accuracy which can be achieved using few elements is demonstrated in a range of problems where comparison is made with previous finite element solutions.