A comparative study of different numerical solution techniques as applied to a nonlinear structural problem

Abstract

This paper describes and compares a number of different numerical methods frequently used in solution of nonlinear problems in structural mechanics. A simple mechanical system is chosen. By varying the geometry and the stiffness of the members, different types of nonlinear structural behavior may be simulated. A comparative study of various solution techniques applied to the sample problem is given. The solution paths followed by these methods are illustrated by use of map plots of the strain energy and the total energy of the system. Also, a new method for automatic computation of steps for incremental techniques is suggested.