Nonlinear Time History Analysis of Structures
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Nonlinear Time History Analysis of Structures

Use the structural analysis software RFEM and RSTAB to perform nonlinear dynamic analyses of structures for a time history analysis. For this task, we provide you with the nonlinear analysis method.

RFEM and RSTAB offer you a wide range of options. Among other things, you can calculate nonlinear member types (tension and compression members as well as cables) and member nonlinearities (failure, yielding, and so on). Moreover, support nonlinearities (failure, friction, and so on) and release nonlinearities are also considered in RFEM and RSTAB.

Our Solution for You:

Solutions for Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis

  • RFEM 6 – All Types of Structures
  • RSTAB 9 – Member Structures
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The structural FEA engineering software RFEM allows for easy and efficient modeling, as well as the structural analysis and design of general 2D and 3D structures consisting of member, plate, wall, shell, solid, and contact elements.

The application areas of RFEM are diverse. The FEM package is used in a wide variety of industries and areas.

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KB 001833 | Using Nonlinearities in Response Spectrum Analysis in RFEM 6
Both the determination of natural vibrations and the response spectrum analysis are always performed on a linear system. If nonlinearities exist in the system, they are linearized and thus not taken into account. They are caused by, for example, tension members, nonlinear supports, or nonlinear hinges. This article shows how you can handle them in a dynamic analysis.
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The stiffness of gas given by the ideal gas law pV = nRT can be considered in the nonlinear dynamic analysis.

The calculation of gas is available for accelerograms and time diagrams for both the explicit analysis and the nonlinear implicit Newmark analysis. To determine the gas behavior correctly, at least two FE layers for gas solids should be defined.

General Information

RF-/DYNAM Pro - Nonlinear Time History is integrated in the structure of RF‑/DYNAM Pro - Forced Vibrations and extended by two nonlinear analysis methods (one nonlinear analysis in RSTAB).

Force-time diagrams can be entered as transient, periodic, or as a function of time. Dynamic load cases combine the time diagrams with the static load cases, which provides high flexibility. Furthermore, it is possible to define time steps for the calculation, structural damping, and export options in the dynamic load cases.

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  • Nonlinear member types, such as tension and compression members or cables
  • Member nonlinearities, such as failure, tearing, yielding under tension or compression
  • Support nonlinearities, such as failure, friction, diagram, and partial activity
  • Release nonlinearities, such as friction, partial activity, diagram, and fixed if positive or negative internal forces
RF-/DYNAM Pro - Nonlinear Time History Add-on Module for RFEM/RSTAB | Nonlinear Time History Analysis
  • User-defined time diagrams as a function of time, in tabular form, or as harmonic loads
  • Combination of the time diagrams with RFEM/RSTAB load cases or combinations (enables definition of nodal, member, and surface loads, as well as free and generated loads varying over time)
  • Combination of several independent excitation functions
  • Nonlinear time history analysis with the implicit Newmark analysis (RFEM only) or the explicit analysis
  • Structural damping using Rayleigh damping coefficients or Lehr's damping
  • Direct import of initial deformations from a load case or combination (RFEM only)
  • Stiffness modifications as initial conditions; for example, axial force effect, deactivated members (RSTAB only)
  • Graphical display of results in a time history diagram
  • Export of results in user-defined time steps or as an envelope
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I display the results of the RF‑/DYNAM Pro add-on module in the printout report?
In the RF-/DYNAM Pro, there is the Rayleigh damping. How do I determine these coefficients, and how are they used?
In RF‑/DYNAM Pro, the "From self-weight of structure" option is available in a mass case. Is it always necessary to activate this option in order to consider the self-weight of the structure?
Which time step should I select for calculation of the time history analysis in the RF‑/DYNAM Pro add‑on module?
After running a time history analysis, I am not able to see all results on surfaces. Is there a possibility to show them?
Is it possible to perform a dynamic analysis of the initial deflection of a structural component in RFEM or RSTAB?
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