Object Oriented Implementation of the Arc-Length Method

In non linear structural analysis, the non linear solution techniques play a key role for analyzing the post-critical response of a structure. In non linear solution of structure, especially the load de¿ection response requires equilibrium path and proper handling of limit point and bifurcation points. Ordinary solution techniques like loading controlled NewtonRaphson method do not serve the above purpose. These solution techniques fail to predict the complete response of the load-displacement curve. The arc-length method serves the above purpose. This technique has a wide range of adoption in ¿nite element analysis. This thesis work is primarily focused on the object oriented implementation of the arc-length method. For this purpose, a complete review of the arc-length method is carried out as starting step. By choosing proper design patterns the arc-length method can be accomplished by Java programming language. Testing of the methods in the program is done by JUnit testing. this worked out solution should be integrated into the miniFE, a ¿nite element package developed at the Institute of Computational Engineering.