MSc

Examination of Advanced Solution Strategies for Non-linear FE Analysis

Dissertation submitted as part requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Structural Engineering

By

Wael Darwich

The University of Sheffield

Department of Civil and Structural Engineering

September 2003

This dissertation examines advanced solution strategies for tracing the nonlinear load-displacement behaviour of engineering structures, using Newton-like, arc-length techniques (first developed by Riks), and line search methods. Only material nonlinearity is studied; first using a simple non-linear constitutive relationship, and then a more advanced one based on the Hashiguchi subloading surface plasticity model for soil. A series of MATLAB scripts are developed to illustrate the above techniqes and to solve some examples (using just one 3D Finite Element) which indicate the effects of path dependency on the results.

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