Add-on for Stability Analysis According to Eigenvalue Method and Incremental Method
Structure Stability | Features
- Calculation of models consisting of member, shell, and solid elements
- Nonlinear stability analysis
- Optional consideration of axial forces from initial prestress
- Several equation solvers for an efficient calculation of various structural models
- Optional consideration of stiffness modifications via structure modification settings
- Determination of a stability mode greater than the user-defined load increment factor (Shift method)
- Optional determination of the mode shapes of unstable models (to identify the cause of instability)
- Visualization of the stability mode
- Basis for determining imperfection
Structure Stability | Input
If there is a load case or load combination in the program, the stability calculation is activated. You can define another load case in order to consider initial prestress, for example.
For this, you need to specify whether to perform a linear or nonlinear analysis. Depending on the application, you can select a suitable calculation method for determining the eigenvalues. Members not integrated in surfaces are usually displayed as member elements with two FE nodes. With such elements, the program cannot determine the local buckling of single members. That's why you have the option to divide members automatically.
Structure Stability | Calculation
You can select several methods that are available for the eigenvalue analysis:
- Lanczos (RFEM)
- Roots of Characteristic Polynomial (RFEM)
- Subspace Iteration Method (RFEM/RSTAB)
- Shifted Inverse Iteration (RSTAB)
Use the Structure Stability add-on to perform a nonlinear stability analysis using the incremental method. This analysis also provides realistic results for nonlinear systems.
The critical load factor is determined by gradually increasing the loads of the underlying load case until the instability is reached. The load increment takes into account nonlinearities such as failing members, supports and foundations, and material nonlinearities. After increasing the load, you can optionally perform a linear stability analysis on the last stable state in order to determine the stability mode.
Structure Stability | Results
As the first results, the program presents you with the critical load factors. You can then perform an evaluation of stability risks. For member models, the resulting effective lengths and critical loads of the members are displayed to you in tables.
Use the next result window to check the normalized eigenvalues sorted by node, member, and surface. The eigenvalue graphic allows you to evaluate the buckling behavior. This makes it easier for you to take countermeasures.
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The modal relevance factor (MRF) can help you to assess to which extent specific elements participate in a specific mode shape. The calculation is based on the relative elastic deformation energy of each individual member.
The MRF can be used to distinguish between local and global mode shapes. If multiple individual members show significant MRFs (for example, > 20%), the instability of the entire structure or a substructure is very likely. On the other hand, if the sum of all MRFs for an eigenmode is around 100%, a local stability phenomenon (for example, buckling of a single bar) can be expected.
Furthermore, the MRF can be used to determine critical loads and equivalent buckling lengths of certain members (for example, for stability design). Mode shapes for which a specific member has small MRF values (for example, < 20%) can be neglected in this context.
The MRF is displayed by mode shape in the result table under Stability Analysis → Results by Members → Effective Lengths and Critical Loads.

Compared to the RF-/STABILITY (RFEM 5) and RSBUCK (RSTAB 8) add-on modules, the following new features have been added to the Structure Stability add-on for RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9:
- Activation as a property of a load case or load combination
- Automated activation of the stability calculation via combination wizards for several load situations in one step
- Incremental load increase with user-defined termination criteria
- Modification of the mode shape normalization without recalculation
- Result tables with filter option

- Calculation of models consisting of member, shell, and solid elements
- Nonlinear stability analysis
- Optional consideration of axial forces from initial prestress
- Several equation solvers for an efficient calculation of various structural models
- Optional consideration of stiffness modifications via structure modification settings
- Determination of a stability mode greater than the user-defined load increment factor (Shift method)
- Optional determination of the mode shapes of unstable models (to identify the cause of instability)
- Visualization of the stability mode
- Basis for determining imperfection

If there is a load case or load combination in the program, the stability calculation is activated. You can define another load case in order to consider initial prestress, for example.
For this, you need to specify whether to perform a linear or nonlinear analysis. Depending on the application, you can select a suitable calculation method for determining the eigenvalues. Members not integrated in surfaces are usually displayed as member elements with two FE nodes. With such elements, the program cannot determine the local buckling of single members. That's why you have the option to divide members automatically.
Is it possible to consider shear panels and rotational restraints in the global calculation?
My model is unstable. What could be the reason?
My model is unstable. What could be the reason?
My model in RFEM 6 / RSTAB 9 is unstable. How can I correct this?