Boundary element analysis of reinforced shear deformable shells

In this paper, stiffened shear-deformable shells are analysed using the boundary element method. Coupled boundary integral equations are presented for describing curved shells under general loading conditions. The equations are based on boundary integral equations for plane stress and plate bending, with coupling terms arising from the curvature of the shell. Domain integrals are transformed into boundary integrals using the dual reciprocity technique. Stiffeners are modelled as curved beams, continuously attached to the shell. Numerical solutions calculated using the present method are compared with finite element results in two examples. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.