Implantation of a nonlinear capability on a linear software system (Q1109613)

The present paper proposes a simple procedure which extends with minor additions an existing linear elastic program system (ASKA) to geometrically nonlinear applications involving large displacements but small strains. The treatment of geometrically nonlinear problems is based on the equilibrium condition between internal stresses and applied loads for the unknown deflected configuration of the structure. The present formulation of the equilibrium condition governing the deflected configuration of a structure is not dependent on the notion of a tangential and geometrical stiffness. It expresses the equilibrium condition as a nonlinear function of the displaced geometry of the structure. The numerical solution for the displacements is obtained by an iterative procedure which involves a suitable iteration matrix and is applied to the residual form of the equilibrium condition. The latter expresses that the difference between the applied loads and the resultants of the internal stresses has to be reduced to zero.