Future trends in nonlinear structural analysis

Abstract In the following paragraphs possible future trends in the nonlinear analysis of structures are contemplated. If any predictions at all are to be made, they must be based on the assumption that research and development in the area will be responsive to the needs of the engineering community, perhaps primarily within the aerospace and nuclear industries. This need is definitely for more efficient general purpose programs derived in such a way that they are reasonably easy to use. Some new technology is presented in the recent literature, in the form of new ideas in disdretization procedures and in automation of the methods for solution of nonlinear equation systems. The prediction is simply that these are going to be further developed, thoroughly evaluated and eventually included in commonly available software.