Large deflection dynamic analysis of space frames

A robust numerical procedure based on the incremental secant stiffness concept for a large deflection static and dynamic analysis of space frames is described. The proposed method is capable of handling the nonlinear static post-buckling and dynamic analysis of space trames undergoing arbitrarily large rotations in three dimensional space efficiently and accurately. The technique can be easily implemented in an analysis program for framed structures to upgrade its capacity in predicting dynamic and nonlinear behaviour of frames. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the versatility of the computer method in handling the large deflection and dynamic behaviour of clamped beam, curved cantilever and space frame.