This paper on "Terms to Ensure the Adequate Strain-Free Rigid-Body Motion of a Curved Membrane Finite Element" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Abstract

A curved, geometrically non-linear C⁰ finite element which is suited to the discretisation of a structural membrane (as a specific example of a continuous system, representing a state of plane-stress, capable of modelling the effects of large displacements and large strains) is described briefly. Expressions defining the strains within a curved surface are derived and shown to be appropriate for a special case initially. A numerical example is then used subsequently to demonstrate the validity of the approach for a general case.