Ivana Uzelac

A model for thin shells in the combined finite-discrete element method

Purpose To present a new numerical model for geometric nonlinear analysis of thin shell structures based on a combined finite-discrete element method. Design/methodology/approach The model uses rotation-free three node triangular finite elements with exact formulation for large rotations, large displacements in conjunction with small strains. Findings The presented numerical results related to behaviour of arbitrary shaped thin shell structures under large rotations and large displacement are in a good agreement with reference solutions. Originality/value This paper presents new computationally efficient numerical model for geometric nonlinear analysis and prediction of the behaviour of thin shell structures based on combined finite-discrete element method. The model has been implemented into the open source FDEM package ‘Yfdem’, and has been tested on simple benchmark problems.

DESIGN OF LIQUID-STORAGE TANK: RESULTS OF SOFTWARE MODELING VS CALCULATIONS ACCORDING TO EUROCODE

The objective of this article is to show the design process of a liquid-storage tank shell according to Eurocode and compare the results obtained using the norms with those from a finite element method (FEM) analysis. The calculations were performed for an aboveground vertical steel water-storage tank with a variable thickness wall and stiffening ring on top. First, the types of liquid storage tanks are briefly explained. Second, the given tank is described. Third, an analysis of the tank wall according to the Eurocode was carried out. The FEM analysis was performed using the Scia Engineer ver. 17 software. Finally, all the results are presented in tables and compared.