~his Monograph has two objectives : to analyze a f inite e l e m en t m e th o d useful for solving a large class of t hi n shell prob l e ms, and to show in practice how to use this method to simulate an arch dam prob lem. The first objective is developed in Part I. We record the defi- tion of a general thin shell model corresponding to the W.T. KOlTER linear equations and we show the existence and the uniqueness for a solution. By using a co nform ing fi nite e l e m ent me t hod , we associate a family of discrete problems to the continuous problem ; prove the convergence of the method ; and obtain error estimates between exact and approximate solutions. We then describe the impl em enta t ion of some specific conforming methods. The second objective is developed in Part 2. It consists of applying these finite element methods in the case of a representative practical situation that is an arc h dam pro b le m. This kind of problem is still of great interest, since hydroelectric plants permit the rapid increase of electricity production during the day hours of heavy consumption. This regulation requires construction of new hydroelectric plants on suitable sites, as well as permanent control of existing dams that may be enlightened by numerical stress analysis .

This book describes current developments in finite element analysis and the design of certain types of thin-walled structures. The first three chapters lay the foundations for the development and use of finite elements for thin-walled structures, look at finite elements packages and discuss data input and mesh arrangements. The final four chapters use the finite element method to assist in the solution of thin-walled structure problems. Some of the problems solved include; water and air inflated structures; axisymmetric thin shells; ship structures and offshore structures. This book will be an interest to design engineers, researchers and postgraduates.

This textbook has emerged from three decades of experience gained by the author in education, research and practice. The basic concepts, mathematical models and computational algorithms supporting the Finite Element Method (FEM) are clearly and concisely developed.

This book provides a solid introduction to the foundation and the application of the finite element method in structural analysis. It offers new theoretical insight and practical advice. This second edition contains additional sections on sensitivity analysis, on retrofitting structures, on the Generalized FEM (X-FEM) and on model adaptivity. An additional chapter treats the boundary element method, and related software is available at www.winfem.de.

The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals offers a complete introduction to the basis of the finite element method, covering fundamental theory and worked examples in the detail required for readers to apply the knowledge to their own engineering problems and understand more advanced applications. This edition sees a significant rearrangement of the book's content to enable clearer development of the finite element method, with major new chapters and sections added to cover: - Weak forms - Variational forms - Multi-dimensional field problems - Automatic mesh generation - Plate bending and shells - Developments in meshless techniques Focusing on the core knowledge, mathematical and analytical tools needed for successful application, The Finite Element Method: Its Basis and Fundamentals is the authoritative resource of choice for graduate level students, researchers and professional engineers involved in finite element-based engineering analysis. - A proven keystone reference in the library of any engineer needing to understand and apply the finite element method in design and development - Founded by an influential pioneer in the field and updated in this seventh edition by an author team incorporating academic authority and industrial simulation experience - Features reworked and reordered contents for clearer development of the theory, plus new chapters and sections on mesh generation, plate bending, shells, weak forms and variational forms

This is the key text and reference for engineers, researchers and senior students dealing with the analysis and modelling of structures – from large civil engineering projects such as dams, to aircraft structures, through to small engineered components. Covering small and large deformation behaviour of solids and structures, it is an essential book for engineers and mathematicians. The new edition is a complete solids and structures text and reference in its own right and forms part of the world-renowned Finite Element Method series by Zienkiewicz and Taylor. New material in this edition includes separate coverage of solid continua and structural theories of rods, plates and shells; extended coverage of plasticity (isotropic and anisotropic); node-to-surface and 'mortar' method treatments; problems involving solids and rigid and pseudo-rigid bodies; and multi-scale modelling. - Dedicated coverage of solid and structural mechanics by world-renowned authors, Zienkiewicz and Taylor - New material including separate coverage of solid continua and structural theories of rods, plates and shells; extended coverage for small and finite deformation; elastic and inelastic material constitution; contact modelling; problems involving solids, rigid and discrete elements; and multi-scale modelling