Coupling between Shell and Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) elements In the last decades Finite Element Method has become the main method in statics and dynamics analysis in engineering practice. For current problems this method provides a faster more flexible solution than the analytic approach. Prognoses of complex engineer problems that used to be almost impossible to solve are now feasible. Although the finite element method is a robust tool it leads to new questions about engineering solutions. Among these new problems it is possible to divide into two major groups: the first group is regarding computer performance; the second one is related to understanding the digital solution. Simultaneously with the development of the finite element method for numerical solutions a theory between beam theory and shell theory was developed: Generalized Beam Theory GBT. This theory has not only a systematic and analytical clear presentation of complicated structural problems but also a compact and elegant calculation approach that can improve computer performance. Regrettably GBT was not internationally known since the most publications of this theory were written in German especially in the first years. Only in recent years GBT has gradually become a fertile research topic with developments from linear to non linear analysis. Another reason for the misuse of GBT is the isolated application of the theory. Although recently researches apply finite element method to solve the GBTs problems numerically the coupling between finite elements of GBT and other theories (shell solid etc) is not the subject of previous research. Thus the main goal of this dissertation is the coupling between GBT and shell membrane elements. Consequently one achieves the benefits of both sides: the versatility of shell elements with the high performance of GBT elements. Based on the assumptions of GBT this dissertation presents how the separation of variables leads to two calculations domains of a beam structure: a cross section modal analysis and the longitudinal amplification axis. Therefore there is the possibility of applying the finite element method not only in the cross section analysis but also the development for an exact GBTs finite element in the longitudinal direction. For the cross section analysis this dissertation presents the solution of the quadratic eigenvalue problem with an original separation between plate and membrane mechanism. Subsequently one obtains a clearer representation of the deformation mode as well as a reduced quadratic eigenvalue problem. Concerning the longitudinal direction this dissertation develops the novel exact elements based on hyperbolic and trigonometric shape functions. Although these functions do not have trivial expressions they provide a recursive procedure that allows periodic derivatives to systematise the development of stiffness matrices. Also these shape functions enable a single element discretisation of the beam structure and ensure a smooth stress field. From these developments this dissertation achieves the formulation of its primary objective: the connection of GBT and shell elements in a mixed model. Based on the displacement field it is possible to define the coupling equations applied in the master slave method. Therefore one can model the structural connections and joints with finite shell elements and the structural beams and columns with GBT finite element. As a side effect the coupling equations limit the displacement field of the shell elements under the assumptions of GBT in particular in the neighbourhood of the coupling cross section. Although these side effects are almost unnoticeable in linear analysis they lead to cumulative errors in non linear analysis. Therefore this thesis finishes with the evaluation of the mixed GBT shell models in non linear analysis.zeige weniger