Large deformation of a continuous medium
The finite element method

Generally speaking, the solid can be represented by a continuous medium made up of an infinite number of material points. The reference configuration is that at which the state variables (i.e. displacement, strain, stress, volume, etc.) are evaluated. To be able to describe the motion of the solid, we need to define a fictitious time, also called "pseudo-time", which simply refers to the stage of deformation or a particular condition of state.

• Three fundamental considerations

  The formulation of the non-linear problem is based on three considerations:

  • kinematic description to describe the motion and deformation of the solid ;

  • equilibrium equations for verifying the balance of internal and external force torsorsors;

  • ...