An energy perturbation applied to nonlinear structural analysis (Q801736)

A perturbation strategy is outlined, which enables systematic calculation of secondary solution paths in the nonlinear solution manifold of thin- walled imperfection-sensitive structures. The strategy consists of three steps. First, the perturbation pattern is determined, second its critical amplitude is calculated to reach a secondary path and third the iteration to the secondary path itself is performed. The steps are formulated by means of constraints in the solution space. Examples are given for application to arches, plate strips and shells.