Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/6362
Title: Nonlinear finite element treatment of bifurcation in the post-buckling analysis of thin elastic plates and shells
Authors: Bangemann, Tim
Advisors: Morley, LSD
Keywords: von Karman patch test;Discrete conservative systems;Higher order directional derivatives;Total potential energy;Bifurcational buckling
Issue Date: 1995
Publisher: Brunel University, School of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics
Abstract: The geometrically nonlinear constant moment triangle based on the von Karman theory of thin plates is first described. This finite element, which is believed to be the simplest possible element to pass the totality of the von Karman patch test, is employed throughout the present work. It possesses the special characteristic of providing a tangent stiffness matrix which is accurate and without approximation. The stability of equilibrium of discrete conservative systems is discussed. The criteria which identify the critical points (limit and bifurcation), and the method of determination of the stability coefficients are presented in a simple matrix formulation which is suitable for computation. An alternative formulation which makes direct use of higher order directional derivatives of the total potential energy is also presented. Continuation along the stable equilibrium solution path is achieved by using a recently developed Newton method specially modified so that stable points are points of attraction. In conjunction with this solution technique, a branch switching method is introduced which directly computes any intersecting branches. Bifurcational buckling often exhibits huge structural changes and it is believed that the computation of the required switch procedure is performed here, and for the first time, in a satisfactory manner. Hence, both limit and bifurcation points can be treated without difficulty and with continuation into the post buckling regime. In this way, the ability to compute the stable equilibrium path throughout the load-deformation history is accomplished. Two numerical examples which exhibit bifurcational buckling are treated in detail and provide numerical evidence as to the ability of the employed techniques to handle even the most complex problems. Although only relatively coarse finite element meshes are used it is evident that the technique provides a powerful tool for any kind of thin elastic plate and shell problem. The thesis concludes with a proposal for an algorithm to automate the computation of the unknown parameter in the branch switching method.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.
URI: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/6362
Appears in Collections:Dept of Mathematics Theses
Mathematical Sciences

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