State-of-the-art nonlinear computational analysis of shells, nonlinearities due to large deformations and nonlinear material behavior, alternative shell element formulations, algorithms and implementational aspects, composite and sandwich shells, local and global instabilities, optimization of shell structures and concepts of shape finding methods of free from shells. Furthermore, algorithms for the treatment of the nonlinear stability behavior of shell structures (including bifurcation and snap-through buckling) are presented in the book.

The authors present a modern continuum mechanics and mathematical framework to study shell physical behaviors, and to formulate and evaluate finite element procedures. With a view towards the synergy that results from physical and mathematical understanding, the book focuses on the fundamentals of shell theories, their mathematical bases and finite element discretizations. The complexity of the physical behaviors of shells is analysed, and the difficulties to obtain uniformly optimal finite element procedures are identified and studied. Some modern finite element methods are presented for linear and nonlinear analyses. A state of the art monograph by leading experts.