THE FOUR-NODE C0 SHELL ELEMENT REFORMULATED

A reformulated four-node shell element, based on the analysis of the moment redistribution mechanism development by Co plate bending and shell elements, is presented. The moment redistribution mechanism of a finite shell element model is shown to be predominantly activated by the membrane flexural action of the shell. This action is triggered through the membrane strain components which participate in the moment equilibrium equations of the finite element assembly system. An equivalent elastic foundation action, along with the activation of the in-plane twisting stiffness of the shell, may also contribute to the moment redistribution mechanism of the finite shell element model. The proposed shell element formulation aims at retaining the non-spurious contribution of the transverse shear/membrane strain energy to the flexural behaviour of the shell, through the activation of the moment redistribution mechanism. Yet, any potentially spurious, whether locking or kinematic, mechanism is rejected. In warped configurations, the element activates appropriate coupling mechanisms of the bending terms to nodal translations. The so-obtained reformulated four-node shell element exhibits an excellent behaviour without experiencing any locking phenomena or zero-energy modes, while its formulation is kept simple, based on physical considerations. The proposed formulation performs equally well in flat as well as in warped shell element applications.