geometrically non-linear problems - finite deformation
In all our previous discussion we have assumed that deformations remained small so that linear relations could be used to represent the strain in a body. We now admit the possibility that deformations can become large during a loading process. In such cases it is necessary to distinguish between the reference configuration where initial shape of the body or bodies to be analysed is known and the current or deformed configuration after loading is applied. Figure 10.l shows the two configurations and the coordinate frames which will be used to describe each one. We note that the deformed configura tion of the body is unknown at the start of an analysis and, therefore, must be determined as part of the solution process - a process that is inherently non-linear. The relationships describing the finite deformation behaviour of solids involve equations related to both the reference and the deformed configurations. We shall generally find that such relations are most easily expressed using the indicial notation introduced in Volume 1 (see Appendix B, Volume 1); however, after these indicial forms are developed we shall again return to a matrix form to construct the finite element approximations.
The chapter starts by describing the basic kinematic relations used in finite deformation solid mechanics. This is followed by a summary of different stress and traction measures related to the reference and deformed configurations, a statement of boundary and initial conditions, and an overview of material constitution for finite elastic solids. A variational Galerkin statement for the finite elastic material is then given in the reference configuration. Using the variational form the problem is then cast into a matrix form and a standard finite element solution process is indicated. The procedure up to this point is based on equations related to the reference config uration. A transformation to a form related to the current configuration is performed and it is shown that a much simpler statement of the finite element formulation process results - one which again permits separation into a form for treating nearly incompressible situations.
A mixed variational form is introduced and the solution process for problems
which can have nearly incompressible behaviour is presented. This follows closely the developments for the small strain form given in Chapter 1. An alternative to the mixed form is also given in the form of an enhanced strain model