Non-linear Finite Element Analysis of Nanotubes

Structural analysis is possibly the utmost common application of the finite element method with several options available. For example, in ANSYS there are seven types of structural analyses available: static analysis, modal analysis, harmonic analysis, harmonic analysis, spectrum analysis, buckling analysis, explicit dynamic analysis and others for special-purpose features [1]. Static analysis has wider applications and is used to determine the displacements, stresses, strains, and forces in structures or components caused by loads that do not induce significant inertia and damping effects. Steady loading and response conditions are assumed; that is, the loads and the structure’s response are assumed to vary slowly with respect to time. The kinds of loading that can be applied in a static analysis include: externally applied forces and pressures, steady-state inertial forces (such as gravity or rotational velocity), imposed (nonzero) displacements, temperatures (for thermal strain) and others [2]