We develop a new paradigm for thin-shell finite-element analysis based on the use of subdivision surfaces for: i) describing the geometry of the shell in its undeformed configuration, and ii) generating smooth interpolated displacement fields possessing bounded energy within the strict framework of the Kirchhoff-Love theory of thin shells. The particular subdivision strategy adopted here is Loo...

Thin-shell instability is one process which can generate entangled structures in astrophysical plasma on collisional (fluid) scales. It is driven by a spatially varying imbalance between the ram pressure of the inflowing upstream plasma and the downstream's thermal pressure at a nonplanar shock. Here we show by means of a particle-in-cell simulation that an analog process can destabilize a thin...

There is a strong need, in surgical simulations, for physically based deformable model of thin or hollow structures. The use of shell theory allows to have a well-founded formulation resulting from continuum mechanics of thin objects. However, this formulation asks for second order spatial derivatives so requires the use of complex elements. In this paper, we present a new way of building the i...

This paper proposes a real-time simulation technique for thin shells undergoing large deformation. Shells are thin objects such as leaves and papers that can be abstracted as 2D structures. Development of a satisfactory physical model that runs in real-time but produces visually convincing animation of thin shells has been remaining a challenge in computer graphics. Rather than resorting to she...

This note reports a method for studying the relationship between crystals and the organic matrix in calcified structures by means of decalcification of single thin sections. The mollusc shell has been used in developing the method. Electron microscope studies of the organic matrix of the mollusc shell have been carried out by making replicas of the normal or etched shell surfaces (Gr5goire, 195...

Our purpose is to investigate the effect of a thin dielectric coating on the scattering of a time-harmonic electromagnetic wave by a perfectly conducting metal. An asymptotic expansion of the solution of a model problem is performed relatively to the thickness of the dielectric shell. A suitable scaling as well as an adapted writing of the the curl operator inside the thin shell make it possibl...

Experimentally measuring the elastic properties of thin biological surfaces is non-trivial, particularly when they are curved. One technique that may be used is the indentation of a thin sheet of material by a rigid indenter, while measuring the applied force and displacement. This gives immediate information on the fracture strength of the material (from the force required to puncture), but it...

A subproblem finite element method is developed for evaluating the eddy losses due to high current leads in transformers. The structural component of the transformer is modeled with classical volumetric elements or more efficiently with a thin shell model (surface impedance technique). Tools are then developed to correct the inaccuracies near edges and corners inherent to thin shell models for ...