Path-following methods

• Adaptive path-following methods
• Direct computation of critical points for Systems sensitive to imperfections

Computation of static equilibrium paths for slender structures with nonlinear structural behaviour is still a challenge. New adaptive control algorithms are developed at the Institute for Structural Mechanics with the aim to increase reliability of the control methods. One idea consists in adaptive displacement control, thereby considering a well-chosen subset of the displacement increments. This leads to a considerable improvement in convergence behaviour compared to classical arc-length methods. Further further information can be found at Pohl (2014).

Via adaptive path-following techniques, the primary path of a system with highly nonlinear structural behaviour can be determined efficiently. If the secondary paths should also be investigated, the bifurcation points must be pinpointed. Therefore, one goal of the research project is the development of stable and powerful algorithms for the direct determination of bifurcation points and snap-through points, based on so-called extended systems. To increase the efficiency, new methods of numerical differentiation (complex step derivative approximation) and new hierarchic shell formulations, developed at the Institute for Structural Mechanics, are used.

Researcher:
Steffen Roth