Abstract: A series of geometrically nonlinear finite elements with spline interpolation schemes are presented in this paper for the analysis of large deflection and stability of plate/shell structures. The rectangular element for shallow shells and the sectorial element for shells of revolution are established, respectively. In the numerical examples, the problems of Large deflection, critical loads and post-buckling response are studied by using the spline elements.

Key words: finite element, spline, nonlinearity, buckling