Continuum Shell Elements

[MikeatCMP]

Can someone explain the limitations of the continuum shell elements with regards to effectively/accurately modelling plates.
I note that it only has 3 DOF at the connecting nodes (as opposed to 6 DOF with plate elements).
How does it accurately capture bending loads? What are its limitations (in comparison to shell elements)?

 

[SWComposites]

One of the ABAQUS manuals should contain the results of beam and maybe plate bending test cases with different element types

 

[IceBreakerSours]

Why not just run a cantilever beam bending example yourself and keep playing with different element formulations? It will be fun.

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=376