Finite elements in shell analysis: A comparison of 3D‐p‐ and higher order shell elements

Abstract

The considerable progress in computational power has increased the attractivity of 3D‐p‐finite‐elements as a versatile tool in structural analysis. Due to its flexibility, the lack of various locking phenomena inherent to low order shell elements and the possibility of an a posteriori error assessment, 3D‐p‐finite‐elements have become an attractive alternative to the h‐method even for analyses of thin‐walled structures. In this paper a comparison of 3D‐p‐ and higher order shell elements concerning aspects of accuracy and efficiency is presented.