On the implementation of isogeometric analysis for thin shells

Paper in proceeding, 2017

This paper concerns the implementation of Isogeometric Analysis (IGA)for analysis of free-form shells using Kirchho-Love theory. The objective is the study of accuracy and convergence rate obtained with IGA compared to classic FEA on a per-degree-of-freedom basis. Findings suggest that the IGA model is more accurate for the considered problems, due to an accurate geometric description. By utilization of high continuity over element boundaries, IGA also exhibits superior rates of convergence compared to classic FEA. These advantages are also discussed in relation to the application of the implemented model to analyse a real shell structure.