Geometrically nonlinear shell finite element based on the geometry of a planar curve

An engineering approach for constructing a curved triangular finite element of a thin shell is considered. The approach is based on the assumption that the triangle sides are planar nearly circular curves before and after deformation. A geometrically nonlinear formulation of a triangular finite element of a thin Kirchhoff–Love shell is given. The predictive capabilities of the element are tested using benchmark problems of nonlinear deformation of elastic plates and shells.