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

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 influence 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 difficulties, 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 finite element method. The finite element formulation has been developed and implemented on parallel processing computers. The effective use of these computers is demonstrated with the case study of analysis of a cylindrical panel.