Time-efficient geometrically non-linear finite element simulations of thin shell deployable structures

Abstract

Isogeometric analysis of thin shells can provide higher continuity and exact geometric description. It is shown in the existing literature that isogeometric analysis converges with fewer degrees of freedom than C⁰-continuous finite elements that use Langrange polynomial shape functions, but the speed of the solutions has not been previously assessed. In this research, the geometrically nonlinear bending of a thin shell deployable structure, a tape spring is studied, using both NURBS-based and C⁰-continuous finite elements. The complex deformation of a tape spring makes it a perfect case study to compare the computational efficiency of the mentioned techniques. The simulations are carried out in the commercial software ABAQUS and LS-DYNA, and it is found that isogeometric analysis is at least three times slower than the C⁰-continuous finite element methods.

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