Numerical analysis of a generalized plane ‘elastica’ with non‐linear material behaviour

This article presents a numerical procedure for the analysis of a planar, continuous, flexible member. Large displacements and rotations, non-linear material behaviour and general cross sections are admitted. A shooting method is utilized along with Newton-type iteration for improved estimates. The resulting computer program is used to compare with numerical and analytical solutions of problems solved by others, and to present the solution to a problem which brings out very clearly the effects of both geometric and material non-linearities.