Meshless local petrov-galerkin (MLPG) formulations for analysis of shell-like structures

Abstract

Meshless computational strategies based on the local Petrov-Galerkin approach are proposed for the analysis of shell and plate structures. A fully displacement formulation is used in shell analysis, while a more efficient mixed algorithm is proposed for modelling of plate deformation responses. In both cases a concept of a three dimensional solid is applied. Discretization is carried out by using a moving least square approximation and simple polynomial functions. The Poisson's thickness locking is successfully eliminated in both formulations. In fully displacement approach, shear locking is minimized by raising the order of approximation functions, and it is completely suppressed by using the interpolation of the strain field in the mixed formulation. The numerical efficiency of the derived concepts is demonstrated by numerical examples.