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Unit-4
Non-Linear Solution Techniques

Introduction
The finite element formulation discussed so far was based on the following assumptions:
(i) Stress-strain relation is linear and
(ii) Strain displacement relation is also linear.
It resulted into the stiffness equation [K] {d}={F} which [k] and {F}were independent of displacement{d}. Hence
after forming the stiffness equation we could get the required displacements by solving the set of linear equations
only once.

In engineering we come across many problems in which stress-strain and strain displacement relations are not linear.
As the computer facility is increasing, the researchers are taking up rigorous analysis of structures incorporating
actual stress-strain curves and changes in geometry due to loading. In 1993 International Association of shells and
spatial structures, conducted an international seminar on Non-linear analysis at Tokyo [1] in which the author also
published a paper [2]. In all 68 papers were presented at the conference. In this chapter different types of non-
linearity encountered are discussed first and the methods of solving them are presented later.

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Why Nonlinear Analysis?

• Buildings do not respond as linearly elastic systems during strong ground
shaking.
• Improve Understanding of Building Behavior
• More accurate prediction of global displacement
• More realistic prediction of earthquake demand on individual components and
elements
• More reliable identification of “bad actors”
• Reduce the Impact and Cost of Seismic Retrofit
• Less conservative acceptance criteria
• Less extensive construction
• Advance the State of the Practice

Linear vs. Nonlinear Problems

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Linear vs. Nonlinear Problems

Linear vs. Nonlinear Problems

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Non-Linear Problems
Various non-linear problems in finite element analysis may be grouped into the following three categories, the basis being
the sources of non-linearity:
1. Geometric Non-Linearity Problems
Due to Due to change in shape of the structure.
Includes P-Δ and large displacement/rotation effects.
2. Material non-linearity Problems
Due to the inelastic behavior of constituent materials such as concrete and steel when strained
beyond proportional limit resulting to cracking, crushing, sliding, yielding, fracture, etc.

3. Contact Nonlinearity Problems and

Due to contacts such as constraints and restraints
In many cases, if material nonlinearity is encountered, one or both of the other types will be
required as well.

1. Geometric Non-Linearity Problems:

This is the problem with large displacement and large strain. Significant changes in geometry of the
structure. Eg. A case of a followed force that always acts normally to the beam axis.
Causes of Geometric Nonlinearity
• There are two causes of geometric nonlinearity, the first based on equilibrium and the second on
compatibility (continuity).
• Geometric nonlinearity occurs when the displacements of a structure are large enough to affect one or
both of the following.
(1) The equilibrium relationships. Equilibrium in the deformed position of the structure may be significantly
different from that in the undeformed position.
(2) The compatibility relationships. The relationships between element deformations and element end
displacements may be significantly nonlinear P

Fig: Geometric Non-linearity

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Causes of Geometric Nonlinearity -Equilibrium

• Strictly speaking, equilibrium between external loads and internal forces
must be satisfied in the deformed position of the structure.
• However, if the displacements are small, it can be a reasonable
approximation to consider equilibrium in the initial, undeformed
position.
• Since this position is fixed, the equilibrium relationships are linear. For
example, doubling the external loads exactly doubles the internal forces
(assuming no material nonlinearity).
• Figure (a) shows the undeformed position. The bending moment at the
pinned base must be zero, so by simple equilibrium the force in the
spring is equal to the horizontal load.
• Figure (b) shows the deformed position, assuming that the spring
compresses and the top of the bar moves horizontally by an amount ∆.
Again, the bending moment at the base is zero, so to satisfy equilibrium
the force in the spring must be larger than the applied load. Also, the
spring force is not proportional to the load. For example, if P and H are
doubled, the force in the spring more than doubles.

Causes of Geometric Nonlinearity -compatibility

There is a geometrical relationship between the
displacements of a structure and the deformations of its
components. The figure shows such a relationship.
• In Figure, the top of the bar moves horizontally. Hence,
the bar must extend to maintain continuity. Figure (b)
shows the relationship between displacement and bar
extension. The bar extension is the deformed length minus
the undeformed length, h.
• For a very small horizontal displacement the bar
extension is close to zero (in the limit, for a vanishingly
small displacement, the bar extension is exactly zero). For
larger displacements, the bar extends, with a nonlinear
relationship between displacement and extension.

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Analysis Types to Account for Geometric Nonlinearity

• For analysis, the effects of large displacements on the equilibrium and compatibility
relationships can be treated separately. Consequently, there are three different types of
analysis that can be carried out, as follows.
(1) Small displacements analysis. This is one extreme. Equilibrium is considered in the
undeformed position, and for compatibility the displacements are assumed to be
vanishingly small.
(2) True large displacements analysis. This is the other extreme. Equilibrium is considered
in the deformed position, and for compatibility the displacements are assumed to be finite.
The compatibility relationships are nonlinear. In this case, geometric nonlinearity is
considered with no approximations.
(3) P-∆ analysis. This is in the middle. Equilibrium is considered in the deformed position
(with some minor approximations), and the compatibility relationships are assumed to be
linear. In this case, geometric nonlinearity is considered approximately.
• There is a fourth type (deformed position for equilibrium, small displacements for
compatibility), but this is never used.

Analysis Types to Account for Geometric Nonlinearity

Assume that the bar is stiff axially, so that it has negligible axial deformation.

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Geometric Nonlinearity

Practical Guideline to Account for Geometric Nonlinearity

• If geometric nonlinearity must be considered, it is almost always accurate enough to

use 𝑷-∆ analysis.

• Only for very flexible structures, such as cable structures, is it necessary to use large
displacement analysis.

• 𝑃-∆ analysis is more efficient computationally than large displacement analysis.

• For most structures, it is a waste of computer time to account for true large
displacements.

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Non-Linear Problems
• Material non-linearity
This is problem of material nonlinearity. The plastic material may become plastic as stress level increase.
Eg. A reinforcement concrete beam shows stiffness degradation after the generation of cracking

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Non-Linear Problems
1. Contact Nonlinearity Problems:
• This is the problems with small displacement and small strain or small displacement and small strain.
Change in configuration of load that result change in its distribution and magnitude. Eg. a case opening or
closer of cracks under reversed cyclic earthquake loading; a case of contact stress or roller bearing. Mating
part may stick or slip.
Contact
Contact conditions such as constraints and restraints which allow parts or portions of the same
part to touch or lift off each other.
Model the interactions of certain systems.
Forces
•Represent loads that can be defined as displacement or velocity based, such as earthquakes and
soil conditions

Structure as a Linear Spring

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Source of Nonlinear Force

Linear vs. Non-linear Response

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Basic Analysis Types

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Some solution methods

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Direct Substitution method

Numerical

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Contd…

Contd…

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Newton-Raphon (N-R) method:

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Numerical

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