A new approach to nonperturbative calculations in quantum electrodynamics is
proposed. The approach is based on a regular iteration scheme for solution of
Schwinger-Dyson equations for generating functional of Green functions. The
approach allows one to take into account the gauge invariance conditions (Ward
identities) and to perform the renormalization program. The iteration scheme
can be realized in two versions. The first one ("perturbative vacuum")
corresponds to chain summation in the diagram language. In this version in
four-dimensional theory the non-physical singularity (Landau pole) arises which
leads to the triviality of the renormalized theory. The second version
("nonperturbative vacuum") corresponds to ladder summation and permits one to
make non-perturbative calculations of physical quantities in spite of the
triviality problem. For chiral-symmetrical leading approximation two terms of
the expansion of the first-step vertex function over photon momentum are
calculated. A formula for anomalous magnetic moment is obtained. A problem of
dynamical chiral symmetry breaking (DCSB) is considered, the calculations are
performed for renormalized theory in Minkowsky space. In the strong coupling
region DCSB-solutions arise. For the renormalized theory a DCSB-solution is
also possible in the weak coupling region but with a subsidiary condition on
the value of α.Comment: 31 pages, Plain LaTex, no figures. Journal version: some discussion
and refs. are adde