Nonlinear rotation-free three-node shell finite element formulation

A new triangular thin-shell finite element formulation is presented, which employs only translational degrees of freedom. The formulation allows for large deformations, and it is based on the nonlinear Kirchhoff thin-shell theory. A number of static and dynamic test problems are considered for which analytical or benchmark solutions exist. Comparisons between the predictions of the new model and these solutions show that the new model accurately reproduces complex nonlinear analytical solutions as well as solutions obtained using existing, more complex finite element formulations.