Fast Nonlinear Analysis (FNA) is a modal analysis method useful for the static or dynamic evaluation of linear or nonlinear structural systems. Because of its computationally condensed efficient formulation, FNA is well-suited for time-history analysis, and often recommended over direct-integration applications. During dynamic-nonlinear FNA application, analytical models should:
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Stiffness- and mass-orthogonal Load-Dependent Ritz Vectors condense represent the equilibrium relationships within the elastic structural system. At each time increment, the uncoupled modal equations are solved exactly, while forces within the predefined nonlinear DOF, indexed within RNL(t), are resolved through an iterative process which converges to satisfy equilibrium. Following this procedure, FNA is an efficient and accurate dynamic-nonlinear application which satisfies equilibrium, force-deformation, and compatibility relationships.
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