This book reviews the theoretical framework of nonlinear mechanics, covering computational methods, applications, parametric investigations of nonlinear phenomena and mechanical interpretation towards design. Builds skills via increasing levels of complexity.

* Explains the physical meaning of linear and nonlinear structural mechanics. * Shows how to perform nonlinear structural analysis. * Points out important nonlinear structural dynamics behaviors. * Provides ready-to-use governing equations.

This book treats computational modeling of structures in which strong nonlinearities are present. It is therefore a work in mechanics and engineering, although the discussion centers on methods that are considered parts of applied mathematics. The task is to simulate numerically the behavior of a structure under various imposed excitations, forces, and displacements, and then to determine the resulting damage to the structure, and ultimately to optimize it so as to minimize the damage, subject to various constraints. The method used is iterative: at each stage an approximation to the displacements, strains, and stresses throughout the structure is computated and over all times in the interval of interest. This method leads to a general approach for understanding structural models and the necessary approximations.

This monograph describes the numerical analysis of non-linearities in structural mechanics, i.e. large rotations, large strain (geometric non-linearities), non-linear material behaviour, in particular elasto-plasticity as well as time-dependent behaviour, and contact. Based on that, the book treats stability problems and limit-load analyses, as well as non-linear equations of a large number of variables. Moreover, the author presents a wide range of problem sets and their solutions. The target audience primarily comprises advanced undergraduate and graduate students of mechanical and civil engineering, but the book may also be beneficial for practising engineers in industry.

With the rap1d development of computational capab1lities, nonl1near f1nite element analys1s 1n structural mechan1CS has become an 1mportant field of research. Its objective is the real1stic assessment of the actual behaV10r of structures by numerical methods. Th1S requires that all nonlinear effects, such as the nonl1near character1stics of the mater1al and large deformations be taken 1nto account. The act1vities in th1S f1eld be1ng worldw1de, d1rect 1nteraction between the various research groups 1S necessary to coordinate future research and to overcome the time gap between the generat10n of new results and the1r appearance 1n the 11terature. The f1rst U.S.-Germany Sympos1um was held 1n 1976 at the Massachusetts Inst1tute of Technology. Under the general to P1C "Formulat1ons and Computat1onal Algorithms in Fin1te Ele ment Analysis" 1t prov1ded an opportun1ty for about 20 re searchers from each country to present lectures, hold discus sions, and establ1sh mutual contacts. The success of th1S first sympos1um was so encourag1ng that 1t seemed natural to organ- 1ze a second bilateral meet1ng, this time 1n Germany, and to 1nv1te researchers from other European countr1es as well

In mechanical engineering and structural analysis there is a significant gap between the material models currently used by engineers for industry applications and those already available in research laboratories. This is especially apparent with the huge progress of computational possibilities and the corresponding dissemination of numerical tools in engineering practice, which essentially deliver linear solutions. Future improvements of design and life assessment methods necessarily involve non-linear solutions for inelastic responses, in plasticity or viscoplasticity, as well as damage and fracture analyses. The dissemination of knowledge can be improved by software developments, data base completion and generalization, but also by information and training. With such a perspective Non-Linear Mechanics of Materials proposes a knowledge actualization, in order to better understand and use recent material constitutive and damage modeling methods in the context of structural analysis or multiscale material microstructure computations.

This book concentrates on the nonlinear static and dynamic analysis of structures and structural components that are widely used in everyday engineering applications. It presents unique methods for nonlinear problems which permits the correct usage of powerful linear methods. Every topic is thoroughly explained and includes numerical examples. The new concepts, theories and methods introduced simplify the solution of the complex nonlinear problems.