A MATLAB finite element toolbox for the efficient nonlinear analysis of axisymmetric shells

Abstract Shells of revolution under axisymmetric conditions exhibit a circumferentially uniform pre‐buckling stress state and are important fundamental systems which often serve as reference for those more complex conditions. Given this status, work is continuing on careful complete characterization their buckling response with the aid Reference Resistance Design (RRD) framework ultimate benefit EN 1993‐1‐6 Eurocode strength stability metal shells. The situation greatly complicated by fact that while modern finite element software packages offer shell elements in an efficient 2D modelling plane, these not capable detecting bifurcation into non‐axisymmetric modes critical slender systems. Reverting to full 3D plane possible, but grossly inefficient explicitly modelled circumferential direction parasitic detrimental overall solution quality. AQUINAS accessible intuitive toolbox developed Authors MATLAB analysis structures, aiming reintroduce capability was once standard field. Data input entirely object‐oriented matrix assembly parallelized pre‐compiled C++ routines, users being able take direct advantage MATLAB's visualization properties. natively supports LA, LBA, MNA, GMNIA etc. taxonomy. This paper demonstrates current capabilities toolbox, describes extensive programme verification against existing established solutions has been performed, illustrates its ability efficiently compute very detailed capacity curves using curve framework.