Finite element modelling of thin walled structures

A finite element model to the analysis of thin shell structures with cutouts/inclusions is developed based on shear deformation theory. A convergence study is under taken to arrive at a suitable finite element mesh. The loading conditions include uniform tension, uniform pressure. The finite element results presented are shown to be in good agreement with available analytical and experimental data. The application of finite element method (FEM) to the solution of cutout and inclusion problems in Filament Wound Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FWFRP) pressure vessel is considered. The analysis of pressurised laminated composite shell, which can be regarded as a heterogeneous body consisting of a finite number of orthotropic layers bonded together, with an elliptical hole is carried out. The influence of uniform shear force distribution along the hole boundary is studied.