A finite element analysis for thin shells based on direct solution of shell equations

Stress analysis using finite element methods is commonly explicitly based on sone extremum energy principle. However, historically and conceptually, the finite element method has been formulated directly in terms of known nodal stiffnesses of the chosen elements. For thin shell elements, such nodal stifnesses are embodied in various systems of well tried shell equations. Finite element solutions for a number of shell structures have been obtained by satisfying such shell equations at the nodes. A description of the method is given and cylinders, spheres and toroids have been analysed with loads, which have included edge and pressure forces and both symmetrical and unsymmetrical cases. (Auth.)