A general element for shell analysis based on the scaled boundary finite element method

Abstract A novel technique, the scaling surface‐based Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM), is introduced as a method for formulating a general element for shell analysis. This displacement‐based element includes three translational degrees of freedom (DOFs) per node. Notably, only two‐dimensional discretization for one of the two parallel shell surfaces, referred to as the scaling surface, is necessary. The interpolation scheme for the scaling surface is postulated to be applicable to all surfaces parallel to it in the thickness. The derivation strictly adheres to the 3D theory of elasticity, without making additional kinematic assumptions. As a result, the displacement field along the thickness is analytically solved, and the element formulation is immune to transverse locking, membrane locking, and other issues, eliminating the need for additional remedies. Extensive investigations into the robustness and accuracy of the elements have been conducted using well‐known benchmark problems, along with additional challenging problems. Numerical examples confirm that the element formulation is free from transverse shear locking and membrane locking. Moreover, the proposed formulation is easily extendable to cases involving shell elements with varying thickness and holds the potential for extension to the nonlinear response analysis of shell structures.