An overview of the virtual crack closure technique is presented. The approach used is discussed, the history summarized, and insight into its applications provided. Equations for twodimensional quadrilateral finite elements with linear and quadratic shape functions are given. Formulas for applying the technique in conjunction with three-dimensional solid elements as well as plate/shell elements...

We propose and analyze an hp finite element method for the Nagdhi shell model, based on rectangular elements. We show that for the bending-dominated case, assuming sufficient smoothness on the solution, the method is locking free in terms of both h and p, as the thickness of the shell tends to zero. Our results are established under the assumption that the geometrical coefficients appearing in ...

were obtained from experimental tests. A 3D nonlinear finite element model was developed to predict possible crack formation in the shells during pattern removal. The effects of the thermo-mechanical properties of the foam and the shell, as well as the firing process parameters were modeled, and extreme cases were experimentally validated. Recommendations for firing process parameters and patte...

this research deals with axial and oblique impact crash tests on simple and hybrid composite tubes. axial and oblique impact tests have been generated on simple and hybrid composite tubes with one, two and three layers. a drop test rig was used to conduct the experiments. furthermore, in order to gain more detailed knowledge about the crash process, finite element simulations of the experiments...

The quest for superheavy elements (SHEs) is driven by the desire to find and explore one of the extreme limits of existence of matter. These elements exist solely due to their nuclear shell stabilization. All 15 presently 'known' SHEs (11 are officially 'discovered' and named) up to element 118 are short-lived and are man-made atom-at-a-time in heavy ion induced nuclear reactions. They are iden...

This paper analyzes the adequacy of shell models for predicting stresses and strains in thick-walled tubes subjected to detonation loads. Of particular interest are the large axial strains which are produced at the inner and outer surfaces of the tube due to bending along the tube axis. First, comparisons between simple shell theory and a static finite element model are used to show that the ax...