• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.385-398
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• 1997

High order finite element have a greater convergence rate than low order finite elements, and in general produce more accurate results. These elements have the disadvantage of being more computationally expensive and often require a longer time to solve the finite element analysis. High order elements have been used in this paper to obtain a new eigenvalue solution with out re-solving the new model. The optimisation of the eigenvalue via the differentiation of the Rayleigh quotient has shown that the additional nodes associated with the higher order elements can be condensed out and solved using the original finite element solution. The higher order elements can then be used to calculate an improved eigenvalue for the finite element analysis.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2001.04a
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• pp.42-49
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• 2001

In this paper the efficient finite element for stress analysis of plane stress/strain problems is proposed. This element is achieved by adding the bubble-mode function to 8-node element. The stiffness matrix of the element is calculated by using modified numerical integration order to avoid spurious zero energy mode. In order to demonstrate the performance of this element numerical tests for various verification problems are carried out. The results of numerical tests show accuracy and reliability of the element presented in this paper.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.623-637
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• 1999

This paper presents a four-noded quadrilateral $C^0$ strain plate element for the analysis of thick laminated composite plates. The element formulation is based on: 1) the third-order shear deformation theory; 2) assumed strain element formulation; and 3) interrelated edge displacements and rotations along element boundaries. Unlike the existing displacement-type composite plate elements based on the third-order theory, which rely on the $C^1$-continuity formulation, the present plate element is of $C^0$-continuity, and its element stiffness matrix is evaluated explicitly. Because of the third-order expansion of the in-plane displacements through the thickness, the resulting theory and hence elements do not need shear correction factors. The explicit element stiffness matrix makes the present element more computationally efficient than the composite plate elements using numerical integration for the analysis of thick layered composite plates.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.203-216
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• 1999

A previously proposed finite element formulation method is refined and modified to generate a new type of elements. The method is based on selecting a set of general solution modes for element formulation. The constant strain modes and higher order modes are selected and the formulation method is designed to ensure that the element will pass the basic single element test, which in turn ensures the passage of the basic patch test. If the element is to pass the higher order patch test also, the element stiffness matrix is in general asymmetric. The element stiffness matrix depends only on a nodal displacement matrix and a nodal force matrix. A symmetric stiffness matrix can be obtained by either modifying the nodal displacement matrix or the nodal force matrix. It is shown that both modifications lead to the same new element, which is demonstrated through numerical examples to be more robust than an assumed stress hybrid element in plane stress application. The method of formulation can also be used to arrive at the conforming displacement and hybrid stress formulations. The convergence of the latter two is explained from the point of view of the proposed method.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.579-596
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• 2016

This paper describes a method of the refined plastic hinge approach in the framework of the higher-order element formulation that can efficaciously evaluate the limit state capacity of a whole reinforced concrete structural system using least number of element(s), whereas the traditional design of a reinforced concrete structure (i.e. AS3600; Eurocode 2) is member-based approach. Hence, in regard to the material nonlinearities, the efficient and economical cross-section analysis is provided to evaluate the element section capacity of non-uniform and arbitrary concrete section subjected to the interaction effects, which is helpful to formulate the refined plastic hinge method. In regard to the geometric nonlinearities, this paper relies on the higher-order element formulation with element load effect. Eventually, the load redistribution can be considered and make full use of the strength reserved owing to the redundancy of an indeterminate structure. And it is particularly true for the performance-based design of a structure under the extreme loads, while the uncertainty of the extreme load is great that the true behaviour of a whole structural system is important for the economical design approach, which is great superiority over the conservative optimal strength of an individual and isolated member based on traditional design (i.e. AS3600; Eurocode 2).

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.6 no.7
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• pp.727-746
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• 1998

Finite element models and numerical results are presented for bending and natural vibration using the unified third-order plate theory developed in Part 1 of this paper. The unified third-order theory contains the classical, first-order, and other third-order plate theories as special cases. Analytical solutions are developed using the Navier and L$\acute{e}$vy solution procedures (see Part 1 of the paper). Displacement finite element models of the unified third-order theory are developed herein. The finite element models are based on $C^0$ interpolation of the inplane displacements and rotation functions and $C^1$ interpolation of the transverse deflection. Numerical results of bending and natural vibration are presented to evaluate the accuracy of various plate theories.

• Bulletin of the Korean Mathematical Society
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.1127-1144
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• 2013

In this paper, we consider the error estimates of the numerical solutions of a class of fourth order linear-quadratic elliptic optimal control problems by using mixed finite element methods. The state and co-state are approximated by the order $k$ Raviart-Thomas mixed finite element spaces and the control variable is approximated by piecewise polynomials of order $k(k{\geq}1)$. $L^2$ and $L^{\infty}$-error estimates are derived for both the control and the state approximations. These results are seemed to be new in the literature of the mixed finite element methods for fourth order elliptic control problems.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.93-110
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• 2000

An alternative interpretation of the completeness requirements for the higher order elements is presented. Apart from the familiar condition, $\sum_iN_i=1$, some additional conditions to be satisfied by the shape functions of higher order elements are identified. Elements with their geometry in the natural form, i.e., without any geometrical distortion, satisfy most of these additional conditions inherently. However, the geometrically distorted elements satisfy only fewer conditions. The practical implications of the satisfaction or non-satisfaction of these additional conditions are investigated with respect to a 3-node bar element, and 8- and 9-node quadrilateral elements. The results suggest that non-satisfaction of these additional conditions results in poorer performance of the element when the element is geometrically distorted. Based on the new interpretation of completeness requirements, a 3-node element and an 8-node rectangular element that are insensitive to mid-node distortion under a quadratic displacement field have been developed.

• Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.1499-1506
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• 2001

Various transition elements are used in general for the effective finite element analysis of complicated mechanical structures. In this paper, a solid-to-beam transition finite element, which can b e used for connecting a C1-continuity beam element to a continuum solid element, is proposed. The shape functions of the transition finite element are derived to meet the compatibility condition, and a transition element equation is formulated by the conventional finite element procedure. In order to show the effectiveness and convergence characteristics of the proposed transition element, numerical tests are performed for various examples. As a result of this study, following conclusions are obtained. (1) The proposed transition element, which meets the compatibility of the primary variables, exhibits excellent accuracy. (2) In case of using the proposed transition element, the number of nodes in the finite element model may be considerably reduced and the model construction becomes more convenient. (3) This formulation method can be applied to the usage of higher order elements.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2004.10a
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• pp.229-236
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• 2004

A new three-node triangular shell element based on higher order zig-zag theory is developed for laminated composite shells with multiple delaminations. The present higher order zig-zag shell theory is described in a general curvilinear coordinate system and in general tensor notation. All the complicated curvatures of surface including twisting curvatures can be described in an exact manner in the present shell element because this element is based on geometrically exact surface representation. The displacement field of the proposed finite element includes slope of deflection. which requires continuity between element interfaces. Thus the nonconforming shape function of Specht's three-node triangular plate bending element is employed to interpolate out-of-plane displacement. The present element passes the bending and twisting patch tests in flat surface configurations. The developed element is evaluated through the buckling problems of composite cylindrical shells with multiple delaminations. Through the numerical examples it is demonstrated that the proposed shell element is efficient because it has minimal degrees of freedom per node. The accuracy of the present element is demonstrated in the prediction of buckling loads and buckling modes of shells with multiple delaminations. The present shell element should serve as a powerful tool in the prediction of buckling loads and modes of multi-layered thick laminated shell structures with arbitrary-shaped multiple delaminations.