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Stehlin, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Stehlin, P..

Enhancements to the STAGS computer code

The power of the STAGS family of programs was greatly enhanced. Members of the family include STAGS-C1 and RRSYS. As a result of improvements implemented, it is now possible to address the full collapse of a structural system, up to and beyond critical points where its resistance to the applied loads vanishes or suddenly changes. This also includes the important class of problems where a multiplicity of solutions exists at a given point (bifurcation), and where until now no solution could be obtained along any alternate (secondary) load path with any standard production finite element code.

Rankin, C. C.

Postbuckling analysis using a general purpose code

A new capability for solving postbuckling problems in shell structures is described. The matrix theory to adapt Newton's method to nonlinear finite element shell analysis is outlined first. The matrix theory is directed at writing consistent linear algebratic equations for problems where the tangent stiffness matrix is singular or nearly singular. The matrix theory suggests a change of variables as part of the usual iterative procedure in Newton's method. The change of variables is shown to be feasible for introduction into the algorithm programmed in general purpose codes for finite element analysis of structures. Numerical results from a new option that has been programmed in an existing general purpose code are presented. The analysis of shell structures for collapse and for branching at bifurcation loads is illustrated by the numerical examples.

Thurston, G. A.

Use of global functions for improvement in efficiency of nonlinear analysis

A method for improving the efficiency of nonlinear structural analysis by the use of global displacement functions is presented. The computer programs include options to define the global functions as input or let the program automatically select and update these functions. The program was applied to a number of structures: (1) 'pear-shaped cylinder' in compression, (2) bending of a long cylinder, (3) spherical shell subjected to point force, (4) panel with initial imperfections, (5) cylinder with cutouts. The sample cases indicate the usefulness of the procedure in the solution of nonlinear structural shell problems by the finite element method. It is concluded that the use of global functions for extrapolation will lead to savings in computer time.

Almroth, B. O.

Nonlinear finite element analysis: An alternative formulation

A geometrical nonlinear analysis based on an alternative definition of strain is presented. Expressions for strain are obtained by computing the change in length of the base vectors in the curvilinear element coordinate system. The isoparametric element formulation is assumed in the global Cartesian coordinate system. The approach is based on the minimization of the strain energy, and the resulting nonlinear equations are solved by the modified Newton method. Integration of the first and second variation of the strain energy is performed numerically in the case of two and three dimensional elements. Application is made to a simple long cantilever beam.

Merazzi, S.