Development of four-node membrane element containing central circular hole

Abstract

A four-node rectangular membrane element containing a central circular hole has been developed using complex potentials to define stress and strain functions. The proposed element can be combined with the conventional elements (e.g., isoparametric elements) with no modifications required. Two numerical examples were employed to illustrate the potential accuracy and versatility of the proposed element. The results obtained using the proposed element are in good agreement with the theoretical results in most of the cases studied.