Shear deformation models for large-strain shell analysis

objective is the theoretical and numerical simulation of large-strain phenomena of rubber-like shells by means of shear deformation models. The development starts with a genera1 applicable shell mode1 constructed on the basis of a quadratic displacement approximation which involves two thickness stretching parameters. This mode1 is then coupled with incompressible material models of MooneyPRivlin and neo-Hookean types. Material incompressibility is described by two-dimensional constraints considered at the element level as subsidiary conditions. A special care is given to the stress prediction in the presence of large-strains. After transformation of the theoretical mode1 into an incremental formulation a four-node isoparametric finite element is derived. Examples are finally given to demonstrate the ability of this model to deal with very strong deformations and to predict the related stresses. c; 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd