Geometric non-linear analysis of space shell structures using generalized conforming flat shell elements—for space shell structures.

An updated Lagrangian formulation of the generalized conforming flat shell element with drilling degrees of freedom is derived based on the incremental equation of virtual work of a three-dimensional (3D) continuum for a purely geometric non-linear analysis of the space structure. While solving the non-linear equations, the Euler–Newton method and modified Euler–Newton method are used in static analyses, and the modified arc-length method and Newton arc-length method for post-buckling problems. A number of numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and programs. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]