Abstract
The non-linear analysis of structures is a very wide field (Chapter l) and this thesis has concentrated more on some areas than others; trusses rather than frames; iterative methods and acceleration techniques rather than direct methods (Chapters 2 and 3), Nevertheless frames receive some attention and comparisons are given in both store (Chapter 4) and time (Chapter 5) between the Jacobi iterative methods and the Gauss direct method with a view to highlighting the advantages of iteration. The analysis of structural behaviour is considered at working load and at collapse (Chapter 6), Also variations in the collapse load behaviour are considered as the loading is varied within limits of the nominal loadings Numerical examples are given to illustrate the underlying theory (Chapter 7). Finally an outline is given (Chapter 8) of a way to help the iterative methods forward: direct methods are in difficulty with time and store; iterative methods are in difficulty with time. To improve the iterative methods it is proposed that one's intuitive structural knowledge - together with relevant analogies and existing numerical solutions - be brought in as part of the data for future problems.