Geometrically nonlinear analysis of space frames by an incremental iterative technique (Q801733)

The paper explores the analysis of the geometrically nonlinear behaviour of space structures, using the modified arc length method of Riks and Crisfield [\textit{E. Riks}, Int. J. Solids Struct. 15, 529-551 (1979; Zbl 0408.73040); \textit{M. A. Crisfield}, Comput. Struct. 13, 55-62 (1981; Zbl 0479.73031)]. Several problems not previously documented in the literature are encountered in the solution procedure, and means evolved for circumventing the same. The resulting algorithm is robust and able to handle problems that exhibit several negative eigenvalues simultaneously. Several examples are given of the trace of load-deflection paths of space frames.