Nonlinear harmonic analysis applied to axisymmetric structures

The total Lagrangian formulation for axisymmetric solids, which was introduced in an earlier paper [Comput. Struct.49, 219–230 (1993)] is investigated in more detail with a series of sample analyses. The formulation uses a cylindrical reference system to define the geometry, a Cartesian reference system for the displacement field and Fourier decomposition to describe the displacement field in the circumferential direction. Loading functions are defined in terms of the Cartesian displacement reference system and the Fourier functions. The capabilities of the formulation are further demonstrated in several examples which compare its solutions with analytical solutions, other Fourier decomposition formulations and physical test of a pipe subjected to combined axial and bending loads.