Bifurcation points and bifurcated branches by an asymptotic numerical method and Pade approximants

The aim of this work is to develop a reliable and fast algorithm to compute bifurcation points and bifurcated branches. It is based upon the asymptotic numerical method (ANM) and Pade approximants. The bifurcation point is detected by analysing the poles of Pade approximants or by evaluating, along the computed solution branch, a bifurcation indicator well adapted to ANM. Several examples are presented to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, that emanate from buckling problems of thin elastic shells. Especially problems involving large rotations are discussed. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.