Path-following analysis of thin-walled structures and comparison with asymptotic post-critical solutions

A path-following non-linear elastic analysis for structures composed of assemblages of flat slender elastic panels is presented. The proposed path-following method employs FEM technology and a kinematical model to analyse these structures using a Koiter asymptotic approach. As a result it is possible to verify the accuracy achieved by the asymptotic method. The proposed mixed path-following formulation is both efficient and robust with regards to the locking extrapolation phenomenon that strongly affects compatible formulations. The use of an HC finite element makes it possible to avoid the problem of the finite rotations in the space, maintaining a high degree of continuity and making the numeric formulation simple and efficient. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.