Coupled thermomechanical analysis using isoparametric curved shell elements

Abstract

This study focuses on the coupled thermo-mechanical formulation in isoparametric shell elements and its implementation in curved laminar structures. The formulation is based on the direct isoparametric formulation, specifically designed for flat and curved shell elements, and relies on the theory of degenerated solids. The research provides a comprehensive description of the coupled thermo-mechanical analysis, including the mechanical equilibrium equations, the interrelations between stress, temperature, displacement, deformation, and the conservation of thermal energy. It adopts a simultaneous approach to addressing the impacts of temperature and mechanical loads. The paper elaborates on various numerical examples that substantiate the formulation. These examples include simulations that encompass linear scenarios, which are then compared to analytical solutions and results derived from other numerical software. The examples highlighted include one-dimensional temperature diffusion, radial diffusion, and the thermal behavior of a cylindrical cover and a pipe under a linear temperature gradient. These simulations demonstrate the formulation's capacity to accurately capture the interactions between temperature variations and structural displacements. They also confirm the alignment of the proposed model with existing analytical and numerical solutions. In conclusion, the research provides a good framework for coupled thermo-mechanical analysis. The flexibility of the formulation is evidenced across different configurations and scenarios, accommodating various types of boundary conditions such as constant and linear temperature fields, distributed loads, and constraints on displacements and rotations. It effectively manages temperature flows across one, two, and three dimensions, highlighting its extensive applicability in the realm of structural analysis. This versatility underscores its broad applicability in the field of structural analysis.