A New Three-Dimensional Sector Element for Circular Curved Structures Analysis

In this research paper, the formulation of a new three-dimensional sector element based on the strain approach is presented for plate bending problems and linear static analysis of circular structures. The proposed element has the three essential external degrees of freedom (Ur, Vθ and W) at each of the eight corner nodes. The displacements field of the present element is based on assumed functions for the different strains satisfying the compatibility equations. The effectiveness of the present element is applied through several tests related to plate bending problems and linear static analysis of circular structures. The results of the developed element have been compared with analytical and other numerical solutions available in the literature. The obtained results show the excellent performances and precision of the present element. It is found that the new three-dimensional sector element is more accurate and efficient than the three-dimensional classical element based on displacement approach.