Finite element analysis of arches undergoing large rotations - I: Theoretical comparison

In this two part paper, the first part deals with five different nonlinear theories applicable to the analysis of arches in the context of solving the large displacement and the large rotation problem. These theories include, classical theory, first-order shear deformation theory, third-order shear deformation theory, modified classical theory and the Donnell-type theory. All the theories are developed using the Total Lagrangian approach. Simplifications and assumptions used in each of the theory are discussed. Explicit strain displacement gradient relations and element independent equilibrium equations in terms of displacement gradients are given for all the theories. Limitations of each of theory are discussed. In the second part of this paper, application of these theories for the classification of arch geometries is considered.