Simulation of non-linear stability analysis in thin-walled structures on parallel computers

Abstract

To accurately predict the critical loads on shell structures, it is essential to carry out non-linear analysis. Within the framework of the non-linear theory of shells, a solution method is introduced to investigate the shell stability, the stable pre-and postbuckling states and the in¯uence of initial imperfections on critical loads. At the solution of non-linear equations by iterative methods a problem of convergence near critical points exists. To get over these diculties an iterative method was constructed on the basis of added-viscosity technique, which relies on introducing additional terms into the relationship between the strains and stresses. The spatial problem was solved by the ®nite element method. The ®nite element formulation has been developed and implemented on parallel processing computers. The eective use of these computers is demonstrated with the case study of analysis of a cylindrical panel.Keywords: domain decomposition technique; ®nite element method; iterative solver; message passing interface (MPI); non-linear stability analysis; parallel processing.Reference to this article should be made as follows: Yakushev, V.L. and Shah, M.S. (2005) Simulation of non-linear stability analysis in thin-walled structures on parallel computers',