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Shell element formulation / static deflection

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Shell element formulation / static deflection [ Reply ]

[forum:30]
By: Balmes on 2009-09-11 08:52

Question : I
have compared static analysis results by using SDT and Sap2000 for a shell structure modeled by 4-node quadri-lateral shell elements. It was found that there exists some differences in static deflection
level ( ~ 5%).
Do you have any explanation for the differences? Are you using a different formulation for shell element with SAP2000?

FYI, SAP2000 ANALYSIS REFERENCE MANUAL says that their shell element is based on the following literatures:

l R. L. Taylor and J. C. Simo, 1985, “Bending and Membrane Elements for Analysis of Thick and Thin Shells,” Proceedings of the NUMEETA 1985 Conference, Swansea, Wales.
l Ibrahimbegovic and E. L. Wilson, 1991 “A Unified Formulation for Triangular and Quadrilateral Flat Shell Finite Elements with Six Nodal Degrees of Freedom,” Communications in Applied
Numerical Methods, Vol. 7, pp. 1–9.

Answer : SDT supports multiple formulations (see sdtweb('quad4') ) www.sdtools.com/help/quad4.html A difference of 5 % in static deflection may be quite within expected differences depending on mesh
refinement/properties ... If you want more details, you should submit a test case.

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Shell element formulation / static deflection Balmes 2009-09-11 08:52