Author(s)

P. B. Gonsalves & R.A.M. Silveira

Abstract

A numerical methodology is presented in this paper for the budding and post-buckling analysis of slender structural elements such as arches and beams subjected to unilateral contact constraints. A geometrically non-linear finite element model is used together with an updated Lagrangian formulation to obtained the non-linear equilibrium paths for perfect and imperfect structural models. The unilateral constraints are imposed by tensionless elastic or rigid foundations. At each load step, in order to obtain the equilibrium configuration and contact regions, the equilibrium equations are linearized and the contact problem is treated as a minimization problem

Keywords