Effective discrete methods for intersections of finite-sized curved shell structures

The discrete theory of finite element for curved structures is first introduced and the discrete error is analyzed theoretically. Then, as an illustration, a probe for detecting the pressure inside turboprop is meshed by 3D degenerated shell element with 4 different methods, and the characteristics and adaptive conditions of the methods are discussed. The stress of the probe is numerically calculated by ANSYS10.0. Based on the solved results along intersections, the validity and efficiency of discrete methods are analyzed thoroughly and the influence of some factors on the error is determined. According to the results from numerical calculation, two efficient discrete methods for finite-sized curved shell structures are finally obtained. These methods are also effective in other curved thin-walled shallow shell structures.