A new twelve-parameter spectral/hp shell finite element for large deformation analysis of composite shells

In this paper, a new 12-parameter shell finite element for large deformation analysis of composite shell structures is developed using third-order thickness stretch kinematics. The continuum shell element is utilized in the numerical simulations of laminated composite and functionally graded materials, using a high-order spectral/hp approximations. The results obtained from the 12-parameter shell element are compared with those obtained from the 7-parameter shell element to bring out the differences. Deflections and maximum stresses are computed using the two models. The results show that the responses predicted by the two formulations (and models) are consistent with each other, with the 12-parameter model showing slight difference from those predicted by the 7-parameter model.