Insight into 3-node triangular shell finite elements: the effects of element isotropy and mesh patterns

In this paper, we study the convergence characteristics of some 3-node triangular shell finite elements. We review the formulations of three different isotropic 3-node elements and one non-isotropic 3-node element. We analyze a clamped plate problem and a hyperboloid shell problem using various mesh topologies and present the convergence curves using the s-norm. Considering simple bending tests, we also study the transverse shear strain fields of the shell finite elements. The results and insight given are valuable for the proper use and the further development of triangular shell finite elements.