17/04/2019 SHELLS vs.

SOLIDS | Finite Element Analysis Quick Review

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Finite Element ANalysis: When to use a shell model vs a solid model

SHELLS vs. SOLIDS | Finite Element

Analysis Quick Review
Eric Kuusisto, PE Follow
Business Development & Structu… 66 3 5

In Finite Element Analysis [FEA] shell elements can be utilized for effective results. It can lead
to huge computational time savings since they allow modeling of thin features with fewer

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17/04/2019 SHELLS vs. SOLIDS | Finite Element Analysis Quick Review

mesh elements. Shell elements are also easier to mesh and less prone to negative Jacobian
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errors which might occur when using extremely thin solid features [1]. 

A solid model is the standard solid element where the material is represented throughout the
component/structure. A shell is hollow on the inside and models the outer “shell”. Shells are
a mathematical simplification of solids of special shape. Thin shells (like thin beams) do not
consider the stress in the direction perpendicular to the shell surface. Thick shells (like thick
beams) can consider stresses through the thickness on the shell, in the direction normal to
the middle surface, and account for shear deformation. 

Shell and beam elements are abstractions of the solid physical model. Thin-shell elements are
abstracted to 2D elements by storing the third dimension as a thickness on a physical
property table. Beam elements are abstracted to 1D elements by storing the 2D cross-section
as separate beam section property. Every FEA application must consider the difference
between beam, shell and solid models [2]. 

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Here is a great guide to get started in using shells vs solid models: Let h denote the typical
thickness of a component while L denotes its typical length. The ratio, h/L, gives some
guidance as to when an element is valid for an analysis. When h/L is large, shear
deformation is at its maximum importance and the user should use solid elements. When
h/L is small, transverse shear deformation is not important and thin shell elements are the
most effective choice. The figure below displays the h/L and what element may be used to
model it [3]. 

SOURCES
 Simulation: Shell Elements vs. Solid Elements, I. Zardadkha, PhD, Javelin-Tech (2012)
Which Element Type Should I Use?, University  of Colorado (2015)
 Finite Element Analysis Concepts via SolidWorks – J. Ed Akin, Rice University (2009)
ABOUT
Eric Kuusisto is a registered Professional Engineer (Civil-Structural). He has worked in a wide
range of structural engineering projects, from skyscrapers to transmission towers to oil & gas.
Currently works for HALFEN USA as an Technical Sales Representative. Please like and
comment!

Eric Kuusisto, PE
Business Development & Structu… Follow

3 comments

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LinkedIn User 5mo

Thank yoo for this article.

Like Reply

Luis José Salazar Serrano 7mo

Optics Payload and Operation Specialist at Aistech Space

Very helpful article. Can you update the reference [2]? The link seems to be broken.
Like Reply

Ali Sadr 11mo

Project Mnager at MahabYazd Consulting Engineers

Hi, For a pipe with long length and small diameter (10<D/s<15) can we modeled
this type of pipe with shell in FEM?
Like Reply 1 Like

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