AbstractThe computation of stresses within a finite element displacement method analysis of a shell of revolution is considered. The common procedure of applying the kinematic and constitutive laws to the displacement functions is examined and justified for models where the displacements are represented by high‐order polynomial expansions. Also, two alternative computational formats within this technique are explored.The influence of the column‐supported base condition on a hyperboloidal shell of revolution is studied with respect to the stresses calculated from a response spectrum analysis. These studies emphasize the importance of accurately modelling the base region of a column‐supported shell such as a hyperbolic cooling