An efficient 4‐node facet shell element for the modified couple stress elasticity

This work proposes a simple but robust 4-node 24-DOF facet shell element for static analysis of small-scale thin structures. To accommodate the size effects, modified couple stress theory is employed as theoretical basis. The constructed via two main innovations. First, trial functions that can priori satisfy related governing differential equations are adopted basic formulating interpolations. Second, generalized conforming and penalty function method to meet C1 continuity requirement in weak sense ensuring computation convergence property. Several benchmarks shells with different geometries tested assess new element's capability. numerical results reveal effectively simulate size-dependent mechanical behaviors shells, exhibiting satisfactory accuracy low susceptibility mesh distortion. Moreover, uses only six degrees freedom per node, it be incorporated into commonly available finite programs very readily.