Tracing nonlinear equilibrium paths of structures subjected to thermal loading

This work presents numerical methods for path tracing and nonlinear stability analysis, including critical point computation and branch-switching, of structures subjected to thermal loading. The differences between the thermal loading case and the standard case of mechanical loading are addressed from both conceptual and computational standpoints. The implementation of the presented methods in a nonlinear finite element system originally designed to deal with mechanical loading is discussed in detail. The techniques presented here are validated by numerical examples.