The finite element method permits to solve the governing equation of a structural model by using numerical methods over one discretization of the model. When the structure is thin (have one dimension much smaller than the other two), it is possible to simplify the problem as a shell finite element problem. The results of this analysis are the displacements and rotations in every node of the mesh and the strengths in some interior element positions.
In order to take valuable information of the analysis, a good understanding and interpretation of the strengths is necessary. This document will explain what the strengths in shells are and how can they be used for dimensioning or evaluating one structural model.
We are going to define mathematically the strengths in shells as they are used in the standard Reissner-Mindlin theory. In the next paragraph we shall establish some relationships between the Shell strengths and the stresses tensor integrated across the shell thickness
Abstract The finite element method permits to solve the governing equation of a structural model by using numerical methods over one discretization of the model. When the [...]
Understanding the strengths in shells 
