Finite Element Method

Engineer Renato Carvalho | 2024

Índice:

1 Plate Element Theory

2 Plate Element Formulation

3 Shell Element Formulation

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 2

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Plate Element

• A plate element is a flat, two- Load

dimensional structural component that
resists loads applied perpendicular to
its plane.

• Similar to a beam element, a plate

element resists bending moments
(generated by the applied
perpendicular loads).

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 3

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Plate subjected to
uniform pressure

𝑎≫𝑏

Uniform pressure
p Cylindrical
deformed shape

Study of a strip
of unit width

Strip cross
section
Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 4
1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Study of a strip
of unit width

Strip cross
section

Zero normal
stress
Maximum Stress
Compression

Middle surface (middle plane

of the sheet)

Maximum Stress
Traction

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 5

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Considering the strip of unit width:

1 ∙ 𝑡3
Moment of inertia with respect to the neutral line → 𝐼𝑦 =
12

𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 = 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 ∙ 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝑝 ∙ (1 ∙ 𝑏)

𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑝∙1∙𝑏

𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 = 𝑞 = = = 𝑝 (𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒)
𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑏

Maximum bending moment in a simply supported beam with distributed load q:

𝑞 ∙ 𝐿2 𝑞 ∙ 𝑏2 𝑝 ∙ 𝑏2
𝑀𝑦,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = = =
8 8 8

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 6

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Considering the strip of unit width:

Maximum normal stress (for z = t/2):

𝑝 ∙ 𝑏2
𝑀𝑦,𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑡
𝜎𝑥,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ∙ 𝑧 → 𝜎𝑥,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 83 ∙
I𝑦 𝑡 2
12

2
3 𝑝 𝑏
𝜎𝑥,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ∙ ∙
2 2 𝑡

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 7

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Strip A deformation
Isolated Strip if it was isolated

Strip B deformation
if it was isolated
Condition of the strips working together
in the sheet, keeping the deformation in
the y direction equal to zero 𝜀𝑦 = 0, due
to the compatibility condition.

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 8

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

For the deformation around a point in the sheet, we have:

𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥
𝜀𝑥 = −𝜈∙ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜀𝑦 = −𝜈∙
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸 𝐸

𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑥
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝜀𝑦 = 0 → 0 = −𝜈∙ → 𝜎𝑦 = 𝜈 ∙ 𝜎𝑥
𝐸 𝐸

Substituting in the equation 𝜀𝑥

𝜎𝑥 𝜈 ∙ 𝜎𝑥 𝜎𝑥
𝜀𝑥 = −𝜈∙ = ∙ (1 − 𝜈²)
𝐸 𝐸 𝐸

𝐸
𝜎𝑥 = ∙ 𝜀𝑥
1 − 𝜈²

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 9

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

𝐸
𝜎𝑥 = ∙ 𝜀𝑥
1 − 𝜈²

We can observe that the previous expression for calculating stresses

is the same as in beam theory. Only the Modulus of Elasticity E is
replaced by E ′ = E/(1 − 𝜈 2 )​, called the "Effective" Modulus of
Elasticity. Note that E′>E always, which indicates that the sheet is
more rigid than a simple set of isolated beams placed side by side.

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 10

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

From the previous conclusion, we can calculate the maximum 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥

deflection in the plate as a simply supported beam, using the
effective modulus of elasticity and considering the moment of
inertia of the strip:

5 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝐿4
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
384 ∙ 𝐸′ ∙ 𝐼𝑦

𝑞 = 𝑝 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿 = 𝑏

5 ∙ 𝑝 ∙ 𝑏4
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝐸 𝑡3
384 ∙ ∙ 12 𝑑𝑤
1 − 𝜈² 𝜃 = 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝑤 ′ =
𝑑𝑥

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 11

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

From the previous conclusion, we can calculate the maximum 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥

deflection in the plate as a simply supported beam, using the
effective modulus of elasticity and considering the moment of
inertia of the strip:

5 ∙ 𝑝 ∙ 𝑏4
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝐸 𝑡3
384 ∙ ∙
1 − 𝜈² 12

𝐸 𝑡3
𝐷= ∙
1 − 𝜈² 12

5 ∙ 𝑝 ∙ 𝑏4
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑑𝑤
384 ∙ 𝐷
𝜃 = 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝑤 ′ =
𝑑𝑥

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 12

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥

5 ∙ 𝑞 ∙ 𝐿4 5 ∙ 𝑝 ∙ 𝑏4
𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
384 ∙ 𝐸′ ∙ 𝐼𝑦 384 ∙ 𝐷

𝐸 𝑡3
𝐷= ∙
1 − 𝜈² 12

Plate’s flexural rigidity

𝑑𝑤
𝜃 = 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝑤 ′ =
𝑑𝑥

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 13

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥
In the same way as in beam theory, the radius of curvature of
the plate can be expressed in terms of its deflection.

1 𝜕2𝑤
=− = −𝑤′′
𝜌𝑥 𝜕𝑥

And also:

𝜕2𝑤
𝑀 = −𝐷 ∙
𝜕𝑥

The negative sign is related to the sign convention considered, in 𝑑𝑤

which the bending moment is positive if it yields to compression 𝜃 = 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝑤 ′ =
in the upper fibers of the beam. 𝑑𝑥

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 14

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝑀 = −𝐷 ∙ = −𝐸′ ∙ 𝐼𝑦 ∙
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

The bending moments calculated in the plate are per unit

width of the sheet, i.e., the unit length strip for which we
calculate the moment of inertia. It’s usually given, for
example, in kgf*mm per mm of sheet width. Thus:

𝑀 = (𝑘𝑔𝑓 ∙ 𝑚𝑚)/𝑚𝑚
𝑑𝑤
𝜃 = 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 𝑤 ′ =
𝑀 = (𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 ∙ 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ)/𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑥

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 15

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

𝑤𝑚𝑎𝑥

Angle around x

Angle around y

Neutral Surface

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 16

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Stress in rectangular sheet subjected to uniform lateral pressure

The deformations are calculated based on the

curvatures in both directions, which are greater
the further they are from the neutral surface:

𝜕2𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
𝜀𝑥 = −𝑧 ∙ 𝜀𝑦 = −𝑧 ∙
𝜕𝑥² 𝜕𝑦²

All sides completely fixed All sides simply supported

For a general case of a rectangular plate under uniform
pressure loading, the figure graphically represents the
results of the analytical development based on plate
theory. The calculation of maximum stress is given by: A plate with dimensions a×b×t under pressure
𝑝 𝑏 2
p, with normal stress 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑘 ∙ 2 ∙ 𝑡
“k” depends on the edge fixing conditions, the
2 ratio a/b, and the position of the point on the
𝑝 𝑏 plate. The values of “k” were calculated based
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 =𝑘∙ ∙ on the "small deflection theory" of plates, with
2 𝑡 a Poisson's ratio of 𝜈 = 0.3.

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 17

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Stress in rectangular sheet subjected to uniform lateral pressure

It is interesting to note in the figure that for a long

plate where 𝑎 ≫ 𝑏 𝑜𝑟 𝑎/𝑏 → ∞, and in the curve
corresponding to simply supported plates, the value of
“k” for the calculation of stresses parallel to the
shorter sides tends to 𝑘 = 1.5 𝑜𝑟 𝑘 = 3/2. Therefore:

2
3 𝑝 𝑏 All sides completely fixed All sides simply supported
𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ∙ ∙
2 2 𝑡

A plate with dimensions a×b×ta under pressure

𝑝 𝑏 2
Which is the same expression obtained previously for p, with normal stress 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑘 ∙ 2 ∙ 𝑡
maximum stress. “k” depends on the edge fixing conditions, the
ratio a/b, and the position of the point on the
plate. The values of “k” were calculated based
on the "small deflection theory" of plates, with
a Poisson's ratio of 𝜈 = 0.3.

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 18

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Stress in rectangular sheet subjected to uniform lateral pressure

For the normal stress parallel to the larger sides, we have:

𝐾 = 0.45

And we know that:

All sides completely fixed All sides simply supported

𝜎𝑦 = 𝜈 ∙ 𝜎𝑥

𝜈 = 0.3
A plate with dimensions a×b×ta under pressure
𝑝 𝑏 2
p, with normal stress 𝜎𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑘 ∙ 2 ∙ 𝑡
2 2 “k” depends on the edge fixing conditions, the
3 𝑝 𝑏 𝑝 𝑏 ratio a/b, and the position of the point on the
𝜎𝑦 = 0.3 ∙ ∙ ∙ = 0.45 ∙ ∙
2 2 𝑡 2 𝑡 plate. The values of “k” were calculated based
on the "small deflection theory" of plates, with
a Poisson's ratio of 𝜈 = 0.3.

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 19

1 Plate Element Theory A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Simplifying Hypothesis of the Previous Study:

The behavior of a plate depends on its geometric characteristics, particularly the ratio
between its thickness and other dimensions. In the previously developed study, the
following limitations should be highlighted:

➢ The plate is flat and has a constant thickness.

➢ The plate is made of homogeneous, linear elastic, and isotropic material.
➢ The plate is thin. The thickness of the plate is less than 1/10 of its smallest lateral
dimension.
➢ There is no deformation in the mid-plane of the plate. This plane remains as a "neutral
surface" during bending. The deflections are small compared to the thickness of the
plate.
➢ The lines normal to the undeformed mid-surface of the plate remain straight and normal
to the mid-surface during deformation. In other words, there are no shear deformations
in the plate.
➢ There are no parallel forces acting in the "plane" of the sheet.
➢ The maximum stress does not exceed the yield stress, so the material remains in the
elastic regime.
Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 20
Índice:

1 Plate Element Theory

2 Plate Element Formulation

3 Shell Element Formulation

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 21

2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

The plate element has 3 degrees of freedom per node: one

displacement in z, and two rotations, one in x and one in y.
Before
Since it has four nodes, this element will have 12 degrees of
freedom. Therefore:

{𝑓}12𝑥1 = {𝑘}12𝑥12 ∙ {𝛿}12𝑥1

After

We already know that the degree of the interpolation

polynomial is defined based on the number of degrees of 𝑤3
freedom of the element.

The element has 12 degrees of freedom

The chosen polynomial must have 12

unknown coefficients.
Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 22
 2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

In any plate problem, the displacement of any point is defined by the

component w in the z direction. It should be noted that the
displacement of a point depends on the position at which that point is Before
located on the plate. In other words, in a two-dimensional problem,
the displacement w depends on the position (x, y) where the point is
located. Thus, we can adopt the following polynomial:

After
𝑤 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 ∙ 𝑥 + 𝐶3 ∙ 𝑦 + 𝐶4 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 + 𝐶5 ∙ 𝑥 2 + 𝐶6 ∙ 𝑦 2 + ⋯

… + 𝐶7 ∙ 𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑦 + 𝐶8 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 2 + 𝐶9 ∙ 𝑥 3 + 𝐶10 ∙ 𝑦 3 + 𝐶11 ∙ 𝑥 3 ∙ 𝑦 + 𝐶12 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 3 𝑤3

Pascal Triangle

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 23

2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

For any node i on the rectangular plate ( i = 1, 2, 3, 4 ) we can write:

𝑤𝑖 = (𝑤)𝑥𝑖,𝑦𝑖

Generates 4 algebraic equations

𝜕𝑤
𝜃𝑖𝑥 = = 𝐶3 + 𝐶4 ∙ 𝑥 + 2 ∙ 𝐶6 ∙ 𝑦 + 𝐶7 ∙ 𝑥 2 + 2 ∙ 𝐶8 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 + 3 ∙ 𝐶10 ∙ 𝑦 2 + 𝐶11 ∙ 𝑥 3 + 3 ∙ 𝐶12 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 2
𝜕𝑦 𝑥𝑖 ,𝑦𝑖

Generates 4 algebraic equations

𝑦 𝜕𝑤
𝜃𝑖 = − = − 𝐶2 + 𝐶4 ∙ 𝑦 + 2 ∙ 𝐶5 ∙ 𝑥 + 2 ∙ 𝐶7 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦 + 𝐶8 ∙ 𝑦 2 + 3 ∙ 𝐶9 ∙ 𝑥 2 + 3 ∙ 𝐶11 ∙ 𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑦 + 𝐶12 ∙ 𝑦 3
𝜕𝑥 𝑥𝑖 ,𝑦𝑖

Generates 4 algebraic equations

There will be a total of 12 algebraic equations and 12 coefficients to

calculate. Consequently, the problem has a unique solution.
Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 24
2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Those 12 algebraic equations can be represented using matrix notation:

𝐴 12𝑥12 ∙ {𝐶}12𝑥1 = {𝛿}12𝑥1

Matrix containing powers of Matrix containing Matrix containing the

the nodal coordinates 𝑥 and y coefficients 𝐶1 , … , 𝐶12 nodal displacements

−1
{𝐶}12𝑥1 = [𝐴]12𝑥12 ∙ {𝛿}12𝑥1

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 25

2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

For a plate under bending, the deformations are associated with the
second derivative of the displacement w. Thus, we will have:

𝜕²𝑤
= 2 ∙ 𝐶6 + 2 ∙ 𝐶8 ∙ 𝑥 + 6 ∙ 𝐶10 ∙ 𝑦 + 6 ∙ 𝐶12 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦
𝜕𝑦²

𝜕²𝑤
= 2 ∙ 𝐶5 + 2 ∙ 𝐶7 ∙ 𝑦 + 6 ∙ 𝐶9 ∙ 𝑥 + 6 ∙ 𝐶11 ∙ 𝑥 ∙ 𝑦
𝜕𝑥²

From the knowledge of the second derivatives of

displacement w, we can calculate the deformations:

𝜕²𝑤
𝜀𝑥 = −𝑧 ∙
𝜕𝑥²
𝜀 = 𝐵 {𝛿}
𝜕²𝑤
𝜀𝑦 = −𝑧 ∙
𝜕𝑦² Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 26
2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

For a plate under bending, the deformations are associated with the
second derivative of the displacement w. Thus, we will have:

𝜕𝜃𝑖𝑥 𝜕²𝑤
= = 𝐶4 + 2 ∙ 𝐶7 ∙ 𝑥 + 2 ∙ 𝐶8 ∙ 𝑦 + 3 ∙ 𝐶11 ∙ 𝑥 2 + 3 ∙ 𝐶12 ∙ y²
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

𝜕²𝑤
2 = 2 ∙ 𝐶4 + 4 ∙ 𝐶7 ∙ 𝑥 + 4 ∙ 𝐶8 ∙ 𝑦 + 6 ∙ 𝐶11 ∙ 𝑥 2 + 6 ∙ 𝐶12 ∙ y²
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦

From the knowledge of the second derivatives of

displacement w, we can calculate the deformations:

𝜕²𝑤
𝛾𝑥𝑦 = −𝑧 ∙ 2
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
𝜀 = 𝐵 {𝛿}

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 27

2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

For a homogenous, isotropic and linearly elastic material, we can write:

𝜎𝑥 1 𝜈 0 𝜀𝑥
𝐸 𝜈 1 0
𝜎𝑦 = 𝜀𝑦
1 − 𝜈² 0 0 1−𝜈
𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝛾𝑥𝑦
2

𝜎 = 𝐷 {𝜀}

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 28

2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

𝜎 = 𝐷 𝜀 Calculate Total
𝜀 = 𝐵 {𝛿} Potential Energy

Full Integration Reduced Integration Derivate with respect to

each nodal displacement
and make it equal to 0
𝜕Π
=0
𝜕𝛿𝑖

Perform Numerical
{𝑓}12𝑥1 = {𝑘}12𝑥12 ∙ {𝛿}12𝑥1 Integration (Gaussian
Quadrature)

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 29

2 Plate Element Formulation A plate element is a flat, two-dimensional structural component
that resists loads applied perpendicular to its plane

Important Observations

• The element currently formulated was one of the first plate elements developed. In
practical applications through analysis software, libraries already include finite
elements that present improvements over the currently proposed element, allowing
for more accurate calculation of deformations and stresses within the element.

• It is possible to consider shear deformation in the element. In Kirchhoff's Theory

(theory used in our formulation), shear deformations (𝛾𝑥𝑧 𝑎𝑛𝑑𝛾𝑦𝑧 ) in the element
are disregarded. However, it is possible to include shear deformations in the plate
element formulation. This latter possibility is considered in Mindlin's Theory, and
straight lines perpendicular to the middle surface of the element generally do not
remain perpendicular in the deformed condition (The book “Finite Element
Procedures” by Klaus-Jürgen Bathe presents this formulation).
Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 30
Índice:

1 Plate Element Theory

2 Plate Element Formulation

3 Shell Element Formulation

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 31

3 Shell Element Formulation The shell element is a combination of the plate
element with the plane stress element

Analogy between Beam and Shell

BEAM

Element subjected to Element subjected to

axial loading only bending moment only
(Truss Element) (Flexure Element)

SHELL

Element subjected to Element subjected

in-plane loading only to bending only
(Plane Stress) (Plate Element)

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 32

3 Shell Element Formulation The shell element is a combination of the plate
element with the plane stress element

Analogy between Beam and Shell – Normal Stress

BEAM Constant Stress in Linearly variable Combined

the beam cross- Stress in the beam Stress
section due to axial cross-section due to
loading bending moment

Middle
surface

SHELL Constant Stress along Linearly Variable Combined

shell thickness due to Stress along shell Stress
axial loading – thickness due to
Membrane Stress – bending moment –
Plane Stress Behavior Plate behavior

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 33

3 Shell Element Formulation The shell element is a combination of the plate
element with the plane stress element

Plate Element Plane Stress Element

{𝑓}12𝑥1 = {𝑘}12𝑥12 ∙ {𝛿}12𝑥1 {𝑓}8𝑥1 = {𝑘}8𝑥8 ∙ {𝛿}8𝑥1

We can simply merge these two matrices

without mixing the terms of each stiffness Shell Element
matrix because, in this shell element
formulation (small displacements
{𝑓}20𝑥1 = {𝑘}20𝑥20 ∙ {𝛿}20𝑥1
assumption considered), the stiffnesses
are independent of each other.

Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 34

3 Shell Element Formulation The shell element is a combination of the plate
element with the plane stress element

5 degrees if
freedom per node

Middle Surface 4 nodes

20 DOF in total
Element representation
by its middle surface

Plane Stress Overlap of the two

Element behaviors

Plate Shell
Element Element
Engineer Renato Carvalho | Page 35
Thank you for your
attention!