Non-linear analysis of shells of revolution under arbitrary loads

A new finite element formulation is presented for the non-linear analysis of elastic doubly curved segmented and branched shells of revolution subject to arbitrary loads. The circumferential variations of all quantities are described by truncated Fourier series with an appropriate number of harmonic terms. A coupled harmonics approach is employed, in which coupling between different harmonics is dealt with directly rather than by the use of pseudo-loads. Key issues in the formulation, such as non-linear coupling and growth of harmonic modes, are carefully and systematically explained. This coupled harmonics approach allows an easy implementation of the arc-length method. As a result, post-buckling load–deflection paths can be traced efficiently and accurately. The formulation also employs a non-linear shell theory more complete than existing classical theories. The results from the present study are independently verified using ABAQUS, while those from other studies are found to be inaccurate in general.