Plate/shell element of variable thickness based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation

For almost a decade, static and dynamic analyses of large rotation and deformation are carried out using finite-element absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). In this context, a three-dimensional rectangular plate/shell element of variable thickness based on ANCF has been developed. In the approach to the problem, a continuum mechanics approach for the definition of elastic forces within the finite element is considered. Both shear strain and transverse normal strain are taken into account. All formulations and computations are built up in FORTRAN 90 computer program after it was confirmed by Mathematica 5 software. Four case studies are analysed for eigenfrequencies to conform the accuracy of the developed formulation. Results of analyses demonstrate that the presented formulation agrees well with the experimental analysis of published researches or with results obtained from known commercial software. However, some results indicate that the known problem of locking (ANCF with uniform thickness) persists in the current developed formulation.