This book reviews the theoretical framework of nonlinear mechanics, covering computational methods, applications, parametric investigations of nonlinear phenomena and mechanical interpretation towards design. Builds skills via increasing levels of complexity.

* Explains the physical meaning of linear and nonlinear structural mechanics. * Shows how to perform nonlinear structural analysis. * Points out important nonlinear structural dynamics behaviors. * Provides ready-to-use governing equations.

This book covers different topics of nonlinear mechanics in complex structures, such as the appearance of new nonlinear phenomena and the behavior of finite-dimensional and distributed nonlinear systems, including numerous systems directly connected with important technological problems.

Nonlinear Mechanics for Composite Heterogeneous Structures applies both classical and multi-scale finite element analysis to the non-linear, failure response of composite structures. These traditional and modern computational approaches are holistically presented, providing insight into a range of non-linear structural analysis problems. The classical methods include geometric and material non-linearity, plasticity, damage and contact mechanics. The cutting-edge formulations include cohesive zone models, the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM), multi-scale computational homogenization, localization of damage, neural networks and data-driven techniques. This presentation is simple but efficient, enabling the reader to understand, select and apply appropriate methods through programming code or commercial finite element software. The book is suitable for undergraduate studies as a final year textbook and for MSc and PhD studies in structural, mechanical, aerospace engineering and material science, among others. Professionals in these fields will also be strongly benefited. An accompanying website provides MATLAB codes for two-dimensional finite element problems with contact, multi-scale (FE2) and non-linear XFEM analysis, data-driven and machine learning simulations.

This book presents a hybrid approach to the mechanics of thin bodies. Classical theories of rods, plates and shells with constrained shear are based on asymptotic splitting of the equations and boundary conditions of three-dimensional elasticity. The asymptotic solutions become accurate as the thickness decreases, and the three-dimensional fields of stresses and displacements can be determined. The analysis includes practically important effects of electromechanical coupling and material inhomogeneity. The extension to the geometrically nonlinear range uses the direct approach based on the principle of virtual work. Vibrations and buckling of pre-stressed structures are studied with the help of linearized incremental formulations, and direct tensor calculus rounds out the list of analytical techniques used throughout the book. A novel theory of thin-walled rods of open profile is subsequently developed from the models of rods and shells, and traditionally applied equations are proven to be asymptotically exact. The influence of pre-stresses on the torsional stiffness is shown to be crucial for buckling analysis. Novel finite element schemes for classical rod and shell structures are presented with a comprehensive discussion regarding the theoretical basis, computational aspects and implementation details. Analytical conclusions and closed-form solutions of particular problems are validated against numerical results. The majority of the simulations were performed in the Wolfram Mathematica environment, and the compact source code is provided as a substantial and integral part of the book.

This monograph describes the numerical analysis of non-linearities in structural mechanics, i.e. large rotations, large strain (geometric non-linearities), non-linear material behaviour, in particular elasto-plasticity as well as time-dependent behaviour, and contact. Based on that, the book treats stability problems and limit-load analyses, as well as non-linear equations of a large number of variables. Moreover, the author presents a wide range of problem sets and their solutions. The target audience primarily comprises advanced undergraduate and graduate students of mechanical and civil engineering, but the book may also be beneficial for practising engineers in industry.

In mechanical engineering and structural analysis there is a significant gap between the material models currently used by engineers for industry applications and those already available in research laboratories. This is especially apparent with the huge progress of computational possibilities and the corresponding dissemination of numerical tools in engineering practice, which essentially deliver linear solutions. Future improvements of design and life assessment methods necessarily involve non-linear solutions for inelastic responses, in plasticity or viscoplasticity, as well as damage and fracture analyses. The dissemination of knowledge can be improved by software developments, data base completion and generalization, but also by information and training. With such a perspective Non-Linear Mechanics of Materials proposes a knowledge actualization, in order to better understand and use recent material constitutive and damage modeling methods in the context of structural analysis or multiscale material microstructure computations.