Numerical computations of three dimensional thin panel structures using reissner's variational principle

Abstract

A finite element model for analysing static problems of three-dimensional thin panel constructions is presented. The potential energy of stretching of each panel is represented by the classical Reissner formulation of two-dimensional elasticity, and in the finite element discretisation piecewise constant stresses and piecewise linear u-, v- displacements are used. The potential energy of bending of each panel is represented in the finite element discretisation by Herrmann's model, i.e. piecewise constant moments and piecewise linear w - displacements. The physical appropriateness of the model is verified for different assemblages of panels, and in all cases good numerical results are obtained.