A nonlinear path-following method for computing the equilibrium curve of structures

In this work, a nonlinear path-following method is given for analysing the nonlinear stability problems of space truss structures. The proposed method is based on the perturbation technique of stability theory and on the nonlinear modification of the classical linear homotopy method. This higher order predictor–corrector method can compute the information of direct methods and is capable of computing not only points but also segments of the equilibrium path. The segment approximation is the base of investigation of the singular points. The segment approximation is based on the generalized Roll theorem. Some numerical examples showing different types of behavior are analysed and discussed.