Development of the Tangent Modulus from the Euler-Problem to Nonsmooth Materials

History and development of the tangent modulus from the origins to the recent nonsmooth damaging versions are presented. Load history and stability analyses of structures of nonlinear reversible or irreversible materials are based on the concept of tangent modulus. Generally, instantaneously changing tangent modulus is needed and the solution yields iteration process. In the case of inelastic problems, the switch from loading to unloading of the material behaviour results in nonsmooth material functions. Nonsmooth, generally saw-tooth like behaviour happens in composite, laminated or rock type materials, or in the interaction of concrete and the reinforcement, too. Recently, damage and localization are in the focus of structural analyses, extending the tangent modulus to the negative cases, as well. Consequently, an overview of the history and development of the tangent modulus containing the recent modifications seems to be necessary. On the other hand, the more than a century long history of the tangent modulus is a marvellous study of the parallel development of mechanics and mathematics, by following the mutual inspiring effect of them through the activity of such pioneers like P.D. Panagiotopoulos in creating Nonsmooth Mechanics.