Abstract

In standard stability investigations of structures applying the finite element method usually the bifurcation and snapthrough points are detected. For practical design purposes not only the equilibrium state itself is significant but also the safety of the stable equilibrium state. The sensitivity, which quantifies the safety, can be investigated by introducing finite perturbations at a certain load level and considering the perturbed motion. In this contribution the application of Liapunov Characteristic Exponents (LCE) for the judgement of the perturbed motion is investigated.