Publications Details

Transient dynamic analysis of plates and shells with PRONTO 3D

Bergmann, V.L.

PRONTO 3D is a three-dimensional transient solid dynamics code for analyzing large deformations of highly nonlinear materials subjected to high strain rates. It is a Lagrangian finite element program with explicit integration of the equations of motion through time. This report documents the implementation of a four-scale quadrilateral shell element into Version 6.0 of PRONTO 3D. This report describes the theory, implementation and use of a four-node shell element. Also described are the required architectural changes made to PRONTO 3D to allow multiple element types. Several test problems are documented for verification of the PRONTO 3D implementation and for demonstration of computational savings using shell elements for thin structures. These problems also serve as examples for the user. A complete, updated list of the PRONTO 3D input commands is also included.