Author(s)

M. Haas & G. Kuhn

Abstract

Symmetric coupling of finite shell elements and 3D boundary elements M. Haas & G. Kuhn Institute of Applied Mechanics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany Abstract The shell theory is sufficient to describe the mechanical behavior of wide areas of sheet metal constructions. These regions can be simulated very effectively by finite shell elements, yielding savings in discretization and computational costs. However, in certain regions of sheet metal components such as real threedimensional geometries (3D), joints or notches, the assumptions of the shell theory are violated and a 3D formulation is needed. Here, the 3D boundary element method can be used. The 3D Symmetric Galerkin Boundary Element Method (3D-SGBEM) is able to produce FEM-like "element stiffness matrices", which are symmetric and positive definite and are therefore suitable for the coupling of both methods. The coupling conditions can be formulated in terms of multiple point constraints (MPCs), allowing one to deal with the

Keywords