A geometrically nonlinear discontinuous solid-like shell element (DSLS) for thin shell structures

In this contribution a new geometrically nonlinear, discontinuous solid-like shell finite element is presented for the simulation of cracking phenomena in thin shell structures. The discontinuous shell element is based on the solid-like shell element, having a layout similar to brick elements but better performance in bending. The phantom node method is employed to achieve a fully discontinuous shell finite element, which incorporates a discontinuity in the shell mid-surface, director and in thickness stretching field. This allows the element to model arbitrary propagating cracks in thin shell structures in combination with geometrical non-linearities. The kinematics of the discontinuous shell element as well as the detailed finite element formulation and implementation are described. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of the element.