Three-dimensional finite element analysis in cylindrical coordinates for nonlinear solid mechanics problems (Q1390838)

A formulation for three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis in cylindrical coordinates in presented. The elements are isoparametric with the same interpolation functions used to represent the geometry and the physical displacement components. The elements can be used for general three-dimensional analysis, but they are most effective for cases when the geometry and the response are best described in cylindrical coordinates. The mathematical formulation of the three-dimensional finite element equations in cylindrical coordinates is first described for finite strain and deformation. The advantages and additional complexities associated with the cylindrical coordinate formulation are discussed, and the implementation into finite element codes is described. Numerical studies are then presented for two static nonlinear three-dimensional problems: a pneumatic tire in contact with a rigid pavement and the skew bending of a stiffened annular plate.