Analysis of Beams and Shells Using a Rotation – Free Finite Element – Finite Volume Formu lation

The main goal of this work is twofold: to develop the theoretical basis of the FE/FV technique in the framework of the mixed Hu-Washizu variational formulation and to construct efficient rotation-free finite elements for beam, plate and shell analyses. The study has been carried out in two subsequent phases dealing with linear and nonlinear problems, respectively. The facts obtained in each phase of the study have influenced and guided the development for each subsequent phase.