Finite Element Model for Linear Elastic Thick Shells Using Gradient Recovery Method

This research purposed a new family of finite elements for spherical thick shell based on Nzengwa-Tagne’s model proposed in 1999. The model referred to hereafter as N-T model contains the classical Kirchhoff-Love (K-L) kinematic with additional terms related to the third fundamental form governing strain energy. Transverse shear stresses are computed and finite element is proposed for numerical implementation. However, using straight line triangular elements does not guarantee a correct computation of stress across common edges of adjacent elements because of gradient jumps. The gradient recovery method known as Polynomial Preserving Recovery (PPR) is used for local interpolation and applied on a hemisphere under diametrically opposite charges. A good agreement of convergence results is observed; numerical results are compared to other results obtained with the classical K-L thin shell theory. Moreover, simulation on increasing values of the ratio of the shell shows impact of the N-T model especially on transverse stresses because of the significant energy contribution due to the third fundamental form tensor present in the kinematics of this model. The analysis of the thickness ratio shows difference between the classical K-L theory and N-T model when the ratio is greater than 0.099.