Evaluation of Simple Bifurcation Points and Post-Critical Path in Large Finite Rotation Problems

ALBERTO CARDONA; HUESPE, ALFREDO

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

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Lugar: Amsterdan; Año: 1999 vol. 175 p. 137 - 156

The main aspects of an algorithm for the exact evaluation of single bifurcation points along the nonlinear equilibrium trajectory of flexible mechanisms with large 3-D rotations are discussed. A first version of this algorithm was presented elsewhere [1]. In this work we extend its range of application to problems involving large finite rotations. Several flexible mechanisms and structures presenting bifurcation points are analyzed. Solutions of perfect bifurcation cases are compared to solutions of the literature, which were computed by geometric perturbation.